Figure 3 | Scientific Reports

Figure 3

From: Visualising the 3D microstructure of stained and native intervertebral discs using X-ray microtomography

Figure 3

Quarter fixed and stained bovine IVD segments. Three heavy metal stains, I2KI (a,d,g), PMA (b,e,h) and PTA (c,f,i), have been evaluated for enhancing contrast after 2 weeks incubation. Tomogram renders show unstained regions in red (a–c). Radial slices (d–f) showing large unstained regions using PMA and PTA (e,f). Magnified radial slices (g–i) show oblique collagen arrangement in the AF. I2KI only provides enough contrast to resolve lamella structures in the outer AF region whereas PMA and PTA allow some internal structure of collagen bundles to be resolved.

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