Fig. 4

Axial skeleton histology. a No difference in histological scoring was observed between mice receiving rSOST (2.5 μg/day) and mice receiving no rSOST (Control) (p = 0.99). Joint scores were averaged for each section scored. b Intervertebral joints exhibiting inflammation (score 1 or 2) or ectopic tissue formation (score 3 or 4) were similar in number between control and rSOST treated mice. c A severely affected joint from a control mouse. The IVD has been completely destroyed with subsequent mesenchymal cell proliferation and cartilaginous matrix deposition with chondrocyte expansion evident. d Normal intervertebral joint, no signs of inflammation, disc destruction or excessive tissue production