Figure 4.

Ex vivo calcification of rings submitted to mechanical injury. Effect of injury on rings of (A) thoracic aorta and (B) carotid artery observed after 14 days of culture in a calcifying medium containing high phosphate (3.8 mmol L⁻¹) and 15% foetal calf serum. Injuries were made by pinching and sliding forceps twice along the vessel in order to collapse the vessel lumen and induce intima-to-intima contact. Von Kossa staining is illustrated on micrographs and individual values and mean ± SEM of area stained and calcium content are presented. Scale bar = 400 µm, original magnification × 40. *p < 0.05 compared to non-injured corresponding rings.