Figure 5.

Mmp13 deficient mice are characterized by diminished numbers of immune cells, fibroblasts and reduced deposition of collagen type VI in experimental fibrosis. Mmp13-/- mice or littermate controls were used for 3 repeated cycles of DSS administration in the drinking water followed by 14 days of recovery with water. At day 63, colon tissue was harvested and used for IF studies. (A) Immune cells were detected by staining for CD45. (n= 6-8 per group). (B) Activated fibroblasts were stained for αSMA. (n= 9-11 per group). (C) Collagen type VI was stained in colon tissue sections from Mmp13-/- vs controls (n= 7-11 per group). Quantitative data were analyzed by unpaired t test (*p>0.05, one-tailed) and mean values are shown with standard deviation. Positive cells were quantified by Qupath (A, B) and the mean gray values of collagen type VI (C) was assessed by Image J Arrows indicate positive cells. Scale bar represents 50µm.