3D endothelial network formation in the depth direction in EC and EC+EPC models.

<p>Representative fluorescent images of a confluent EC layer on the surface of collagen gel (<b>A</b>, <b>C</b>) and EC networks in the collagen gel (<b>B</b>, <b>D</b>) are shown. (<b>E</b>) The depth of the EC and EC+EPC models was quantitatively analyzed. The depth of 3D endothelial networks in the EC+EPC model was deeper than that in the EC model. However, the difference was not remarkable according to the concentration of bFGF. Data are presented as the means ± SD (n = 6–26; *<i>p</i> < 0.001 vs. EC model with 10 ng/mL bFGF; ^†<i>p</i> < 0.001 vs. EC model with 30 ng/mL bFGF). Scale bar, 100 μm.