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Fig. 3 | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Fig. 3

From: Impaired contractile function of the supraspinatus in the acute period following a rotator cuff tear

Fig. 3

NMJ morphology is altered in tenotomized supraspinatus at 2D, but recovers at 15D. Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of at least three supraspinatus muscles per group were fluorescently stained with an acetylcholine receptor binding neurotoxin (α-Bungarotoxin, BTX, green) and imaged using confocal microscopy. Z-stacked images were analyzed and quantified using ImageJ software. Skeletonized images are shown in the white panel for each NMJ to further illustrate continuity and branching of NMJs. At 2D, NMJs were smaller and morphology was altered, as evidenced by decreased continuity of NMJ branches. No significant differences were seen in NMJ morphology compared to control at 15D. Scale bar represents 10 μm. All data are presented as mean ± SD, p < 0.05. *, indicates statistical significance compared to control, and ŧ indicates statistical significance compared to 2D

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