Figure 4.
Effects of the absence of SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine) and the imposition of TAC (transverse aortic constriction) on collagen content, composition and morphology. WT = wild-type littermate mice C57Bl6/SV129, SPARC Null = mouse created using targeted gene deletion to prevent expression of SPARC, * = p < 0.05 vs. WT, # = p < 0.05 vs. SPARC Null, & = p < 0.05 vs. WT TAC.
Panels A–D, I: Collagen content was examined using picrosirius red stained light microscopy to quantify collagen volume fraction. Scale bar = 20 microns.
Panel J: Collagen composition was examined by measuring insoluble collagen vs. soluble collagen by hydroxyproline quantification.
Panels E–H: Collagen morphologic structure was qualitatively examined using scanning electron microscopy. Scale bar = 10 microns.