In Brief:
We determined gene expression levels of relevant disc matrix components, catabolic factors, and a growth factor in an animal model of experimental moderate disc degeneration and detected a significant up-regulation of COL1A2, DCN, ON, BMP-2, TIMP-1, and MMP-13 in degenerated discs. In addition, a loss of anular architecture and a decreased number of BMP-2 and COL2 positive cells could be shown.