Fig. 3.

Callus histology and histomorphometry. Representative sections of callus formation 7 (upper panels) and 14 (lower panels) days after fracture in mice fed the control diet (A, D) or the phosphate-restricted diet 2 days before (B, E) or 3 days after (C, F) fracture. Cartilage stains red with saffranin O and stromal cells stain pink, whereas bone stains green with fast green. (G) Histomorphometry. Percentages of the callus area occupied by stromal cells, cartilage, and bone are indicated. Data represent the mean value obtained from analyses of five representative sections from each of four calluses per time point. Significant differences (p < .05) are present between the experiental and control groups, with the exception of cartilage content at day 14.