Fig. 4

Histological and cytological differences between WT and Nrf2-specific KO bones

Comparison of the ratio of empty osteocyte lacunae (a, b) and the number of osteoclast-like cells (c, d) between WT and Nrf2-specific KO mice at young adult and old age. Representative images of osteocytes in cortical bone lacunae (old WT vs. KO) and osteoclast-like cells in the distal femur (old WT and KO). Representative immunohistochemical staining of aromatase in osteocytes in cortical bone of old WT and KO mice (e-g). Aromatase-positive osteocytes are indicated by arrows (e). The number of aromatase-positive osteocytes per 1 mm² of cortical bone (f) and the ratio (total cell counts) (g) between old WT and KO mice. Histology was compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Values are means ± SEM. *ρ < 0.05 indicates significance; MNC, multinuclear cell; ARO, aromatase