Fig. 5

Gross parameters recorded during dissection process indicate only a few animals to have visible inflammation (a) with low quantities of fluid within sheath (b). Lesion macroscopically visible in most sheep at 4, 12 and 24 weeks (c). Dissected tendon gently manipulated by bending in axial plane to determine whether two surfaces of lesion could be separated as a macroscopic sign of healing. At least one sheep in each group showed closure (d) and at least one sheep had overlying fibrous tissue but with presence of prolapsed fibres less consistent (e). Adhesions were only visible in one sheep (control) at 24 weeks and one sheep (MSC treated) at 4 weeks (f). BM MSC bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, PBS phosphate buffered saline