Effect of group and airway size on A_ASM/Pi² (A) and A_ECM/Pi² (B) measured on histological sections.

<p>Raw data (before statistical corrections) are presented as mean per animal in the graphs on the left, and as mean per airway the graphs on the right. Histological analysis confirmed <i>in vivo</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> EBUS findings concerning ASM remodeling. The slope of the A_ASM/Pi² relationship was similar between the 2 groups (p = 0.26), but heaves-affected horses had significantly higher values compared to controls (p = 0.04). The slope of the A_ECM/Pi² relationship tended to be different between the 2 groups (p = 0.07), but heaves-affected horses had similar values compared to controls (p = 0.26). #: significantly different from controls. *: significant difference between values of intermediate and large bronchi (pooling the two groups).