Figure 3 | Scientific Reports

Figure 3

From: Conditional Deletion of Fgfr3 in Chondrocytes leads to Osteoarthritis-like Defects in Temporomandibular Joint of Adult Mice

Figure 3

Disturbed homeostasis of TMJ cartilage in Fgfr3 cKO mice.

Sections of TMJ tissue from 4 month-old mice were analyzed. (A,B) PCNA, (C,D) Collagen X, (G,H) MMP13 and (I,H) ADAMTS5 IHC were performed in TMJ cartilage of Cre-negative and Fgfr3 cKO mice. (O–R) The ratios of these immunoreactive positive cells were calculated. Results showing that collagen X, MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expressions were significantly increased and PCNA expression was no significant change in Fgfr3 cKO mice compared to Cre-negative mice. Values represent mean ± SD, *p < 0.05 (n = 4 slides per genotype). (E,F) IHC result showing that aggrecan expression was significantly decreased in Fgfr3 cKO mice. (K, L,S) TUNEL assay were performed in TMJ cartilage of Cre-negative and Fgfr3 cKO mice. TUNEL-positive cells (arrowheads) at the superficial layer and polymorphic layer (articular surface, broken line) were counted. Values represent mean ± SD, *p < 0.05 (n = 4 slides per genotype). (M,N,T) The expression of lubricin in TMJ cartilage of Cre-negative and Fgfr3 cKO mice. The ratio of lubricin-positive cells at the superficial layer and polymorphic layer was calculated. Results showing that lubricin expression was significantly reduced at the articular surface of Fgfr3 cKO mice. Values represent mean ± SD, *p < 0.05 (n = 4 slides per genotype). Scale bar: 50 μm (A–N).

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