Effect of Cerebrospinal Fluid on Fibroblasts Concerning Epidural Fibrosis: An In Vitro Study

Abstract One of the most common treatments for lumbar disc herniation and other lumbar disorders is lumbar laminectomy. There may be some unwanted and serious complications with this procedure such as the “failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)”. Epidural fibrosis (EF), mainly due to fibroblast proliferation, emerges as the main cause of failed back surgery syndrome. According to the current literature and practice techniques, different agents are being used to prevent EF formation. To date there is no single agreed upon treatment method of EF. In this study, dilutional effect of CSF, together with low potassium levels, on primary skin fibroblast cultures was studied as a possible material for EF prevention. CSF at different concentrations (0-100%) were tested to see its effect on Skin fibroblast proliferation. A wound healing assay was also performed to see the effect of CSF on wound healing. The cell proliferation goes up from 24h to 72hr in all CSF percentages from 0-75% but the proliferation was inhibited at 100% CSF. The “wound” is closed successfully in all CSF percentages between 0-75. The 100% CSF fails to completely close the wound. Adverse effects of low concentrations of potassium levels and dilutional effect of CSF may be a promising solution in the prevention of EF. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments are required to characterize its use.