Research Article

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Modulates the Expressions of Proinflammatory Cytokines IL33 and IL17A, and Their Receptors ST2 and IL17RA, within the Articular Cartilage in Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in a Rat Model

Figure 3

The microphotographs of the left femur head showed the changes of articular cartilage in the Sham, AVNFH, and ESWT groups. Some areas of disorganization, loss of extracellular matrix, and decreased number of chondrocytes are presented (arrow) and are protected in the ESWT group by (a) hematoxylin-eosin and (b) safranin-O stain. The scale bar was 200 μm. for all groups.
(a)
(b)