Fig. 4.

The mTnfsf11 transgene is capable of rescuing growth plate organization and supporting osteoclastogenesis. (A, B) Femoral sections of 5-week-old male mice of the indicated genotype were stained with TRAP and toluidine blue to examine growth plate organization (A) and osteoclast formation (B). (C) TRAP mRNA levels in L₅, calvaria, and tibia of 5-week-old female and male mice of the indicated genotype were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. All values were normalized to beta-actin and represent the mean of 3 to 16 animals per group. (D) TRAP and methyl green–stained (top) and H&E-stained (bottom) femoral sections of 5-week-old male mice. (E) Histomorphometric analyses of Oc.Pm/B.Pm and Oc.N/B.Pm were performed in TRAP-stained and methyl green–stained femoral sections of 5-week-old male mice of the indicated genotype (n = 3 animals/ group). All statistical comparisons of RT-PCR were derived using one-way ANOVA analysis and statistical comparisons of histomorphometric parameters were performed using Student’s t test. * p <0.05 compared to the wild-type group. Oc.Pm/B.Pm = osteoclast perimeter per bone perimeter; Oc.N/B.Pm = osteoclasts number per bone perimeter; H&E = hematoxylin and eosin stain; TRAP = tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase; L₅ = lumbar vertebra 5.