Fig. 5.

The cross-talk of EPCs with fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. a After isolation of skin fibroblasts from wild-type mice, these cells were cultured in a WT EPC conditioned medium (CM) or Lnk-deficient EPC CM for 24 h. Proliferation of fibroblasts was assessed by the BrdU assay. Values are mean ± SEM; ^** p < 0.01 compared to control, and ^## p < 0.01 compared to WT EPC-CM. b After subcutaneous injection with EPCs into the wound area, the presence of myofibroblasts (α-SMA and vimentin double-positive cells) at wound sites was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining for α-SMA (red) and vimentin (green) on postoperative day 7. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). Scale bar = 50 μm. c The graph shows the number of α-SMA and vimentin double-positive cells at wound sites on postoperative day 7. Values are mean ± SEM; ^** p < 0.01 vs. injection with WT EPCs. d Masson’s trichrome staining was performed to determine the fibrotic area on postoperative days 7 and 10. e The graph shows the relative fibrotic area 7 and 10 days after EPC injection. Values are mean ± SEM; ^** p < 0.01 compared to injection with WT EPC on postoperative day 7, ^## p < 0.01 compared to injection with Lnk-deficient EPCs on postoperative day 7, and ^$$ p < 0.01 compared to injection with WT EPCs on postoperative day 10