Fig. 7. Mineral apposition rate (MAR), osteoblast proliferation and osteoclast density in Fgfr2^cko mice. (A,B) MAR was assessed by calcein double labeling over a 9-day interval beginning at P8. (C,D) BrdU immunohistochemistry on sections of the femur from P15 mice showing the distal growth plate. The dashed lines parallel to the chondro-osseous junction demarcate the 100 µm region of the metaphysis that was counted (see Materials and Methods). The labeling index of the growth plate proliferating zone was similar for Fgfr2^cko mice and controls. In contrast, the osteoblast proliferation index in the primary spongiosa was reduced in Fgfr2^cko mice compared to controls (Table 3). (E,F) BrdU immunohistochemistry of the femoral diaphysis at P15. Note the proliferating osteoprogenitor cells located in the perichondrium (arrows). (G,H) TRAP staining of sections of the proximal femur at P4. Note that osteoclasts (stained in red) at the chondro-osseous junction appear larger and more numerous in Fgfr2^cko mice than in control littermates. Osteoclast densities were 1.29±0.29/0.01 mm² in control mice (n=6) and 1.82±0.37/0.01 mm² in Fgfr2^cko mice (n=6, P<0.001). (A,C,E,G) control mice. (B,D,F,H) Fgfr2^cko mice.

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