Fig. 1

Construction of intervertebral disc degeneration model. A The rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) was completed by acupuncture. B The four representative MRI images including four model discs at the different time points and D quantitative classification based on the Pfirrmann grade, n = 9. C The representative X-ray film images and E %DHI fold line including four model discs at the different time points, n = 9. F Pathological changes of gross specimens after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of acupuncture. G H&E staining (Left) and SO staining (Right) showed severe IVDD in the AFP group. H Evaluation of IVDD by histological score based on SO staining. n = 3