Fig 2.

Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and GAG assay, Van Gieson straining of the ECM coated on dishes, and Western blot of fibronectin and collagen I. (A) The mechanical stretch (4% or 8%) increased the contents of hydroxyproline at the indicated times; (B) the mechanical stimulus for 7 days or 9 days enhanced GAG levels of the ECM, and treatment with hyaluronidase II reduced GAG levels remarkably; (C) Van Gieson straining showed more collagen fibers (which were stained red) in stretched group; (D) Western blot result indicated that mechanical stretch elevated protein levels of fibronectin and collagen I. Quantitative results are the means ± standard error of 6 experiments, *P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, between indicated groups.