Fig. 4.

Markers for myofibroblasts and mesenchymal progenitors are expressed in cells isolated from PTE tissues. A: representative RT-PCR gel images showing mRNA expression for cell surface markers and cytoskeletal filaments associated with immature and progenitor cell types in isolated PTE cells. B: positive RT-PCR control showing mature smooth muscle marker, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). C: representative immunofluorescent images showing expression of cell surface markers CD29, CD105, and CD166 typical of mesenchymal stem cells; bottom images are enlarged sections of the ×10 magnification top panels. PAF; pulmonary adventitial fibroblast.