Fig. 3.

Evaluation of reference gene stability using NormFinder in articular cartilage explants either left unloaded or subjected to a loading regime of: [A] 8 MPa (1 Hz, 15 min; N = 3), [B] 5 MPa (1 Hz, 15 min; N = 6) or [C] 2.5 MPa (1 Hz, 15 min; N = 6), all of which were analysed for gene expression 24 h post-cessation of load, [D] 5 MPa (4 Hz, 15 min; N = 6) and gene expression ascertained immediately post-loading, or [E] high-density primary articular chondrocytes subjected to tensile strain (7.5% elongation, 1 Hz, 30 min; N = 2) and gene expression determined 4 h post-cessation of strain.