Fig. 3

Photomicrograph of H&E staining sections showing the subcutaneous tissue implant of control, ACTIVA iRoot BP and MTA HP after 4 weeks in addition to α-SMA and caspase 3 immunostaining. After 1 month experiment, a control tube showing thin fibrous capsule, a1 the inset revealing normal well organized fibrous connective capsule (FC); b ACTIVA tube showing thin fibrous capsule, b1 the inset showing mild inflammatory cells infiltration, fibroblasts and moderate fibrous connective tissues (curved-arrow); c iRoot BP tube showing relatively thick fibrous capsule FC, c1 the inset showing remodeling of fibrous capsule and collagen fibers (crossed arrow); d MTA HP tube showing thin fibrous capsule, d1 the inset revealing mild pericapsular fibrosis and calcification (arrow). The 3rd panel α-SMA immunostaining within the fibrous capsule, e Control tube, f ACTIVA tube, g iRoot BP tube which showed marked immunostaing and h MTA HP tube. Tailed-arrow indicates the expression α-SMA within myofibroblasts. α-SMA IHC. The 4th panel caspase 3 immunostaining within the fibrous capsule, i Control tube, j ACTIVA tube, k iRoot BP tube and l MTA HP tube. Wavy-arrow indicates caspase 3 immunostaining within the fibrous capsule. Caspase 3 IHC. TO: Tube Opening, IR: Inflammatory Reaction, FC: Fibrous Capsule