Phenotypical characterization of PB-ECFCs.

<p>PB-ECFCs monolayers expanded in EGM-2 medium supplemented with 10%PL were assessed for the presence of endothelial cell markers by immunofluorescence cytochemistry (<b>A-C</b>) and flow cytometry as well as for uptake of Dil-Ac-LDL (<b>D</b>). For immunofluorescence cytochemistry staining, cells were seeded on glass cover slips, fixed and stained with antibody against CD31, VE-cadherin or vWF. Cell nuclei were visualized with DAPI staining. Cells were positive for CD31 (<b>A</b>, green), VE-cadherin (<b>B</b>, green), and vWF (<b>C</b>, green). Cell nuclei appear blue. (<b>D</b>): Incorporation of Dil-Ac-LDL by PB-ECFCs (red spots, cell nuclei stained blue with DAPI). Panel <b>E</b>:Flow cytometry characterization of PB-ECFCs for CD31, CD34, CD309, CD144, CD146, CD105, CD14, CD45, and CD133. Plots depict control isotype IgG staining (black histograms) versus specific antibody staining (empty histograms).