Cross-sections of gracilis anterior muscle were stained with H&E.

<p>Representative photographs are shown (A and B). The collaterals were quantified by vessel area (C), lumen area (D), and vessel area/lumen area (E). There were no differences in vessel area, lumen area or vessel area/lumen area of group HD compared with group NC. In group HI and HID, the vessel area increased 7 days post-surgery and further increased 28 days post-surgery. However, in comparison with group NC, the lumen area increased significantly and vessel area/lumen area increased modestly in group HI, but the lumen area decreased and vessel area/lumen area increased dramatically in group HID. * <i>p</i>< 0.05.