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Fig. 2 | Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Fig. 2

From: Extracellular matrix components and culture regimen selectively regulate cartilage formation by self-assembling human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo

Fig. 2

Representative histological stains. a Detailed view of type I collagen (Col1) and type II collagen (Col2) discs at day 42, compared with whole tissue view for the vehicle control (Veh) and pellet. Poor ECM deposition in the deep zone was seen in Col2 discs (arrowheads). Vehicle control condensed into a hemisphere. Type I collagen-rich fibrillar structure formed at the surface of the pellet and the rounded surface of the vehicle control. Discs exhibited more uniform type II collagen and GAG distribution. GAG was visibly denser at the center of the pellet. Scale bar: 200 μm. b Immunohistochemical stains found lubricin on the entire pellet surface but only on the top surface of the discs. Scale bar: 50 μm. c Whole tissue comparisons of Col1 and Col2 discs after 17 and 42 days of chondrogenic induction. Both groups formed stratified discs that grew in thickness over time. Less ECM was observed in the deep zone of Col2 discs. Scale bar: 200 μm. d Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains of Col1 discs seeded at 0.5 × 106 and 1.0 × 106. Scale bar: 200 μm. e Immunohistochemical type I collagen stains of pellets at different time points after chondrogenic induction found initial expression throughout the pellet, and peripheralization over time. Scale bar: 200 μm

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