Figure 5. Immunohistochemical detection of RANKL and OPG in rabbits subchondral bone of different groups, and staining densities were quantified by IPP analysis.

A1-D1: OPG; A2-D2: RANKL; A1, A2: control group; B1, B2: model group; C1, C2: EA group; D1, D2: acupotomy group. E, F: The mean ± SE staining density for RANKL (E) or OPG (F) protein expression. G: The mean RANKL/OPG ratio for protein expression. Data represents mean ± standard deviation (n = 6). Compared with the control group, ^aP < 0.05; compared with the model group, ^bP < 0.05. The red arrows represent cells positive for OPG and RANKL. OPG: Osteoprotegerin; RANKL: receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand.