Objective:To investigate the role of TACE in the mechanism of sciatica due to disc herniation.Methods:Autologous nucleus pulposus was applied to the peripheral of the L4 and L5 nerve roots and DRGs to construst animal model.Then Von Frey filaments and a thermal testing device(RTX-1 type)were used to quantify behavior test.Immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR were used to detect the ex-pression changes of TNF-αand TACE to analyze their correlation with the nerve behavior change.Results:The mRNA expression of TNF-αand TACE increased significantly(P<0.05)in DRGs

and nerve roots 4 days after operation

especially 1 week(P<0.01)after op-eration.Three weeks after operation

the expression restored gradually to normal.There was a time correlation between the mRNA ex-pression of TNF-αand TACE.Conclusion:TACE causes the shedding of the active TNF-αfrom cell membrane

and it’s a new thera-py target to inhibit the action of TNF-α

so the antogonist of TACE may play an important role in the treatment of sciatica.