Figure 3From: Ossification process involving the human thoracic ligamentum flavum: role of transcription factors TEM examination and TUNEL staining of the ossification front. The typical structure of the elastic fibers had disappeared with an increase in the number of collagen fibers (a: control, b: OLF). Note the presence of matrix vesicles containing electron-dense material (c) and also the presence of pigmented chondrocytes (d) near the ossified layer (a, b: magnification ×1,000, c; magnification ×4,000, d; magnification ×2000). Note the presence of TUNEL-positive chondrocytes near the ossified layer (arrow) (e, scale bar = 100 μm). OLF: ossification of the ligamentum flavum; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling.Back to article page