Figure 2.

CSE exposure decreased the matrix formation of human primary chondrocytes. Cells (N = 3, n = 3) were cultured in a medium containing 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, and 10% CSE. Matrix formation was determined quantitatively by resolving Alcian blue staining after growing in the medium with or without CSE for 7 (a) and 14 days (b), respectively. (c, d) Representative Alcian blue and Safranin-O stainings are shown to visualize matrix formation on day 7. Results are given as fold of control (untreated cells) and presented as mean ± SEM. ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 as compared to untreated cells.