Osteogenic protein-1 is most effective in stimulating nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells to repair their matrix after chondroitinase ABC-induced in vitro chemonucleolysis

OP-1 was effective in stimulating matrix repair by NP and AF cells after their matrices were nearly totally depleted of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. The use of OP-1 after chemonucleolysis might help the disc to regain biomechanical strength, weakened by enzyme digestion, by stimulating matrix metabolism.