Fig. 9

The intravitreal administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) does not induce a provasculogenic microenvironment in the retina. Four and 12 weeks after the administration of MSCs or vehicle, the intraocular levels of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors were measured by a RT-qPCR and b ELISA. Retinal blood vessels were visualized at both experimental times by the administration of FITC-dextran in the tail vein. c Retinas were dissected, flat mounted and observed by confocal microscopy. d Retinal vasculature was quantified and expressed as vascular area/total retinal area. Quantitative data correspond to mean ± SEM of eight eyes per group and per analyzed time. Qualitative data are representative of eight eyes per group and per analyzed time. ANG1 Angiopoietin 1, DM diabetes mellitus, PDGF platelet-derived growth factor, TSP1 thrombospondin 1, VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor