Loss of matrix and growth plate height.

<p>(A) Tibial growth plate sections from female mice were stained with Alcian Blue to detect any alterations in matrix content within the growth plate cartilage. In wild-type mice, Alcian Blue staining appeared to be weaker in Dexa-treated animals compared to those treated with vehicle, while in BaxKO no such effect was seen. Furthermore, in Dexa-treated wild-type animals growth plate height appeared to be reduced and chondrocyte columns disorganized. To quantify any changes in matrix content, (B) loss of GAG was measured in the serum demonstrating significantly increased GAG release in Dexa treated wild type mice (*p<0.05, vs. wild type vehicle., <i>n</i> = 5). In contrast, BaxKO animals were protected from Dex-induced release of GAG (**p<0.01, <i>vs.</i> wild type Dexa; <i>n</i> = 5) (C) Representative micrographs of rat growth plate (tibia) showing different zones affected by Dexa; resting+proliferative (<i>R</i>+<i>P</i>) and hypertrophic (<i>H</i>) zones (<i>bars</i> represent 50 µm). Quantitative histological analysis of (D) growth plate height and (E) chondrocyte column density (columns per mm growth plate width) in vehicle- and Dexa-treated rats (**p<0.01, ***p<0.001; <i>n</i> = 6).