Figure 2.

Matrix protein contents and gene expression

(A) ACL-derived injected cellular tendon allograft was stained with Picrosirius red for types I and III collagen. Magnification ×100, scale bar: 200 μm.

(B) IHC was stained for type I collagen on day 14. Magnification ×200, scale bar: 100 μm.

(C) Co-immunofluorescence staining was performed on days one, seven, and 14 for Ki67 (red) and type I collagen (green).

(D) The mRNA expression level of ligament-related markers (COL1A1, COL3, and tenascin C) and smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) was analyzed by RT-qPCR (n = 3). ∗, p < 0.05; ∗∗, p < 0.01; ∗∗∗, p < 0.001; ns: not significant. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using a two-way ANOVA. Data are shown as the mean ± SEM.