Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Nucleus Pulposus Cells from Compression-Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Mitochondrial Pathway

Figure 5

The mitochondrial ultrastructure of NPCs was assessed using TEM. (a) Control group and (b) NPC + BMSC group displayed normal mitochondria. (c) NPC + BMSC + CL group BMSCs improved the ultrastructure collapse of the mitochondria in NPCs with compression treatment. (d) NPC + CL group demonstrated disintegrating cristae and swelling mitochondria. CL means compression load (mitochondria were indicated by arrows).

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