Objectives: To develop a rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration that more exactly simulates the pathological changes of human intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were utilized to establish three different disc injury models according to the following protocol; group A: anulus punctures were done with a 18-gauge needle at L2-L3 and L5-L6; Group B: intradiscal injection of interleukin-1 IL-1βwith a 23-gauge needle at L3-L4; and Group C: intradiscal injection of phosphate buffer saline(PBS) with a 23-gauge needle at L4-L5. The L1-L2 level was used as a control. Rabbits were killed after 24 weeks. The intervertebral disc height was measured by lateral plain radiographs. After the radiographic measurements were obtained, the interver-tebral discs were removed and analyzed for DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan(s-GAG) and water contents of nucleus pulposus. Results: The intervertebral disc height, s-GAG, and water contents in anulus needle punctures were significantly decreased in Group A, but the DNA content in the nucleus pulposus was significantly increased when compared to the control. The significant decrease of disc height and water contents were demonstrated, only the s-GAG and DNA contents did not show a significant difference in Group B when compared to the control. The significant decrease of disc height, s-GAG, water, and DNA contents did not show in Group C when compared to the control. Conclusion: The 18-gauge puncture models produced the most consistent disc degeneration in the rabbit lumbar spine.