Figure 3

Histomorphometric analyses of fat flap under the multi-perforated TEC (a) Representative image of HE staining of new adipose tissue growing within the perforated TEC surrounded by connective tissue (left). Higher magnification view of a representative area under the connective tissue is shown on the upper right. Lower right Adipocyte surface area in the peripheral and central zone of the flap. Data are presented as Whiskers bar graphs (median 5–95 percentile). * p < 0.05; (b) Representative images of anti-CD31-stained sections of the chamber tissue. Higher magnification views of a representative area under the connective tissue are shown on the right part. (Red asterisks show CD31⁺ stained blood vessels). Lower left. Number of CD31⁺ cells in the peripheral and central zones of the flap. Data are mean + /SD * p < 0.05; (c) Representative image of Masson’s Trichrome stained tissue. Blue areas indicate collagen fibers deposition. (right) Note that adipose tissue components with septa were observed. Thickness of the connective tissue around the fat flap was measured. Data are presented as Whiskers bar graphs (median 5–95 percentile); (d) Representative images of anti-CD68-stained cells in the fat flap. Higher magnification views of a representative area in the connective tissue are shown. (Red asterisks show CD68 + stained macrophages). Lower left. Number of CD68⁺ cells in the connective and adipose tissues under the TEC. Data are mean + /SD * p < 0.05;