Fig. 1

Co-implantation of MSCs, ECFCs, and IPCs promotes vascularization of the implants in vivo. SCID-beige mice were implanted subcutaneously with cells mixed with Matrigel, with four implants containing IPCs/ ECFCs/MSCs (1/1/1) implanted in each mouse (n = 8) or control implants of only IPCs (n = 6) as illustrated in a. b The implants were retrieved 4 to 8 weeks post implantation. c The implants were stained with H&E and anti-human CD31. Panels showing representative implants. Scale bar, 50 μm. d Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by counting CD31-positive vessels. Values reported for each experimental condition correspond to the average MVD value ± standard error of the mean (SEM) obtained from n > 6 for 4 and 8 weeks