Fig. 3.

Reduced vascular channels and smaller osteocyte lacunae in Enpp1^−/− mice.

Representative SEM images of the femoral endosteal surface from Enpp1^+/+ and Enpp1^−/− mice. (A) Vascular channels are reduced in size and number in Enpp1^−/− animals. Higher magnification images highlight the decreased size of the (B, C) blood vessel channels and (B, D) osteocyte lacunae in Enpp1^−/− mice. Scale bars: A = 0.5 mm, B = 20 μm, C = 12 μm, D = 5 μm. (E, F) The number and size of blood vessel channels on the endosteal surface of the bone were reduced up to 50% and 70%, respectively, in Enpp1^−/−animals. (G, H) Osteocyte lacunae diameter and surface area were reduced ≤ 25% and ≤ 39%, respectively, in Enpp1^−/− mice. Quantitative analysis of blood vessel channels and osteocyte lacunae images based on n = 50 measurements per group; *** = p < 0.001, ** = p < 0.01.