Fig. 6

SHH pathway is active in WJ-MSC in vivo and enhances their pro-angiogenic properties. In vitro pretreated Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC) (+ N-Shh or Cyc) were applied on top of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryos. Treatment was repeated after 48 h in order to maintain the effect on SHH pathway modulation in WJ-MSC. The angiogenic response was evaluated after 96 h. Recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a potent angiogenic stimulator, was used as a positive control (a), and (b) Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) was used as negative control (WJ-MSC vehicle). c WJ-MSC seeded in Integra Matrix (IM). WJ-MSC seeded in Integra Matrix plus N-Shh (d) and Cyc (e). f Assay quantification. *P < 0.05, one-way ANOVA (WJ-MSC, n = 3; chicken eggs, n = 9). Scale bar = 5 mm. Cyc cyclopamine, SHH Sonic hedgehog