Figure 5.

Implantation of autologous hypoxia-primed rBM-MSC sheets reduced the infarcted area and promoted angiogenesis. A. Representative macroscopic images of Masson’s trichrome-stained heart tissue (right three panels). The infarcted area in the preconditioned sheet group (hypo sheet) was markedly reduced compared to the normo sheet and control groups (n = 5 for each group). B. Lectin⁺ capillaries (arrowheads) in the peri-infarcted area were evaluated at 4 weeks post sheet implantation. Implantation of preconditioned rBM-MSC sheets accelerated angiogenesis in infarcted hearts. The capillary density in the peri-infarcted area was measured within the 200-µm square (white box); (n = 5 for each group).