Induction of therapeutic neoangiogenesis using In vitro–generated endothelial colony-forming cells: an autologous transplantation model in rat

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence shows the potential of bone marrow–derived endothelial colony-forming cells ( bm ECFCs) as promising tools for vascular repair. However, knowledge about their in vitro expansion, characterization, and functional behavior is still controversial. We demonstrate the in vitro generation of rat bm ECFCs and analyze their ability to promote tissue reperfusion in a chronic hind-limb ischemia model. Methods Either in vitro –generated and characterized autologous bm ECFCs or placebo was injected into ischemic hind limbs of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tissue perfusion was quantified by laser Doppler, in perfusion units (PU), at days 0, 15, and 30. Results Rat bm ECFCs acquire a typical phenotype (CD34 + VEGFR2 + CD133 + CXCR4 + CD45 − ), culture, and functional behavior (Dil-ac-LDL + ) in vitro . Injection of autologous bm ECFCs improves tissue perfusion in ischemic hind limbs (183.5 ± 3.29 PU bm ECFCs/day 30 versus 131 ± 3.9 PU controls/day 30 , P Conclusions We conclude that rat bm ECFCs promote ischemic tissue reperfusion and their proangiogenic properties are a potential mechanism for this effect.