Angiogenic Capacity of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Regulated by SDF-1α-CXCR4 Axis

Figure 3

In vivo angiogenic potential of DPSCs. To investigate in vivo angiogenic potential of DPSCs, Matrigel plug assay was conducted. DPSCs and HUVECs were subcutaneously injected and separated or together into immunodeficient mice. At 7 days postinjection, Matrigel plug was removed and analyzed by H&E and immunofluorescent stainings. (a) In the results of DPSCs alone or HUVEC alone, no obvious microvessel-like structures were observed. However, when DPSCs and HUVECs were coinjected, microvessel-like structures were formed and red blood cells were observed in the lumen. (b) Immunofluorescent staining by CD31 and α-SMA showed that microvessel-like structures were stained on coinjection with DPSCs and HUVECs subcutaneously.

(a)

(b)