Figure 1. RT-PCR analysis of 4 differentially expressed genes between the compression and control groups. Gene-specific primer pairs were designed for 4 genes [cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and membrane-bound interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (mIL-1RAcP)], as described in "MATERIALS & METHODS". Their PCR products were resolved on agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide, and the bands were quantitated by densitometric analysis. The relative ratios of the transcript level were normalized to the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) standard. (A) A representative electrophoresis gel with ethidium bromide staining is shown. C, compression group; N, normal control group. (B) Quantification of gene transcript levels was normalized by the use of GAPDH as standards. Data are presented as the mean ± SD from 3 independent replicates.