Aging changes in intervertebral discs and spondylosis in Chinese hamsters.

Vertebrae and intervertebral discs of Chinese hamsters, a species of rodents that develop spontaneous diabetes, were investigated for age-linked changes and for the occurrence of spondylosis. Aging changes in the intervertebral discs were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic animals. The incidence of spondylosis was significantly increased and its onset was accelerated in the diabetic animals. The mechanisms operative in the pathogenesis of the lesions and their relation to the human disease are discussed.