27 (link),
28 (link) ]. After MRI, the rats were euthanized, and the corresponding segmental discs were taken for histological examination. For Safranin O-Fast Green (SOFG) staining, each paraffin-embedded sample was sectioned at 4 μm and stained with 0.2% Safranin O solution (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, USA) for 15 min and with 0.2% Fast Green solution (Sigma-Aldrich) for 5 min. For HE staining, hematoxylin staining solution (Sigma-Aldrich) was added to the sections and incubated for 5 min. Sections were rinsed to remove excess staining solution, and then eosin staining solution (Sigma-Aldrich) was added to the sections and incubated for 2 min. Then, sections were dehydrated in ethanol and incubated with xylene for 5 min. Finally, the slices were sealed with neutral gum and subject to microscopic observation.