Fig. 2

Effects of nicotine on the regenerated tissue of cartilage defect with BMSCs transplantation in a rat model after 12 weeks. a and b Immunohistological staining of Col2A1 in regenerated tissue (×100). c Quantification of the MOD of Col2A1. d and e Immunohistological staining of Sox9 in regenerated tissue (×100). f Quantification of the MOD of Sox9. g mRNA expression of Col2A, aggrecan and Sox9 in regenerated tissue. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 8). ^*p < 0.05. Scale bar = 200 μm. BMSCs bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, Col2A1 α1 chain of type II collagen, MOD mean optical density, Sox9 SRY-type high-mobility group box 9