Fig. 1A–H.

ROCK inhibitor stimulated the ectopic bone formation in vivo induced by BMP. (A) Macroscopic pictures of ectopic ossicles 2 weeks after implantation of BMP/atelocollagen composites containing 5 μg of rhBMP-2, in control (left) and Y-27632-treated (right) mice are shown. Scale bar, 10 mm. (B) Radiographs of the ossicles and the bones of the lower extremities in control (left) and Y-27632-treated (right) mice are shown. Scale bar, 10 mm. Cross-sections of the ossicles in (C) control and (D) Y-27632-treated mice are shown (Stain, hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification ×10; scale bar, 1 mm). Calcified trabeculae and maturated bone marrow can be seen in both (E) control and (F) Y-27632-treated mice (Stain, hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification ×10; scale bar, 100 μm). (G) Wet weight of each ossicle is present (mean ± SEM, n = 4). (H) Calcium content of each ossicle is present (mean ± SEM, n = 4) (in the absence of Y-27632).