The Pattern of Interleukin-12 and T-Helper Types 1 and 2 Cytokine Expression in Herniated Lumbar Disc Tissue

The findings suggest that preferential expression of Th2 cytokines by disc cells, as shown in contained discs, is another factor contributing to the immune privileged status of lumbar disc tissue. The exposure of lumbar disc tissue to the epidural space may increase the concentration of interleukin-12 in herniated lumbar disc tissue, changing the pattern of T-helper Types 1 and 2 cytokine expression.