Monkeys as a model object for studying degenerativedystrophic alteration in the human spine

Degenerative-dystrophic alteration in the spine (DDAS) is a chronic progressive pathology characterized by changes in the intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments, and bone tissue of the vertebrae; manifested by severe orthopedic, neurological and visceral disorders. Obtaining and comprehensively studying animal models of DDAS is important for the development of methods for the prevention and treatment of this pathology in humans. An ideal animal model of DDAS should have morphological manifestations and biomechanical characteristics similar to humans. Monkeys are the only species of experimental animals that are closest to humans in their anatomical, physiological and genetic characteristics; they are considered «laboratory doubles» of humans and are of particular interest to researchers. The monkeys are very similar to humans in the structure of the spine and motor behavior. Our results indicate a great similarity of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spine in monkeys and in humans. Monkeys are susceptible to degenerative-dystrophic processes in all parts of the spine (even in the caudal region), despite pronograde statics and the absence of vertical loads. The development of DDAS in monkeys is age dependent, as is the case in humans: most monkeys with such lesions are adults or geriatric animals. The frequency of detection of DDAS based on autopsy results (our own data) and similar pathological changes in the spine at macroand microscopic levels indicate the possibility of using the monkey species we studied as a natural model for studying similar pathology in humans.