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. 2013 Sep 19;8(9):e74740. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074740

Figure 3. Stereological variables used for the characterization of lung parenchyma and its morphological maturity.

Figure 3

a) Boxblots of the volume density of septa serving as an indirect measure for the development of sacculi and or alveoli.

b) Boxplots of the volume density of air spaces serving as an indirect measure for the enfolding of air spaces and the degree of septal thickness.

c) Boxplots of the surface density of septa serving as an indirect measure for alveolarization. The higher the septal surface density the higher is the formation of secondary septa as sign for alveolarization. P values obtained by the Mann-Whitney-Rank Sum Test. Significant differences compared to controls are stated.

d) Boxplots of the thickness of septa as a measure for the morphological septal maturity. Decrease of the mean barrier septal thickness goes along with increased differentiation of septa. P values obtained by the Mann-Whitney-Rank Sum Test. P< 0.03 compared to controls, p<0.095 compared to the sham treated double-hit.