Figure 2.

Morphologic appearance and features of skin and white adipose tissue (WAT) depots of Col5a2 adult mutant mice. A–C: Conditional loss of Col5a2 function results in markedly reduced mass (A) and length (B), and severe kypholordosis (C). The white outlined object above the head of each mouse in C is the ear tag. D: Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining of subscapular skin samples. Vertical bracket and arrow denote dermal WAT in Ubc-Cre; Col5a2^fl/fl and Col5a2^fl/fl littermate control skin, respectively. E: Masses of inguinal fat depots, normalized to the body weights of the mice from which they were recovered, were compared for Col5a2^fl/fl and Ubc-Cre; Col5a2^fl/fl mice. F: Representative H&E-stained sections are shown of Col5a2^fl/fl and Ubc-Cre; Col5a2^fl/fl inguinal fat depots. Masson's trichrome staining of a section of Ubc-Cre; Col5a2^fl/fl inguinal fat depot is shown, evidencing a characteristic collagenous seam. Although only data for inguinal fat depots are shown in E and F, results were similar for gonadal fat depots. G and H: Biomechanical measurement shows Ubc-Cre; Col5a2^fl/fl skin to have markedly decreased breaking strength (P < 0.0001; G), but no significant difference (P < 0.638; H) in extensibility (Young's modulus), compared with control skin. Data are presented as means ± SEM (A, B, E, G, and H). ^∗∗P < 0.01, ^∗∗∗P < 0.001, and ^∗∗∗∗P < 0.0001. Scale bar = 50 μm (F).