Figure 1

Identification of Implanted ADMSCs and CD31+ Cells in LV Myocardium. Confocal imaging study on day 90 following dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM induction). Merged image (C) of double staining [troponin-I (A) plus Dil (B) (yellow arrows)] in Group 3 (ADMSC-treated) showing few troponin I-positive myogenic-like cells (pink arrows) and undifferentiated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) (yellow arrows) in LV myocardium. Merged image (F) of double staining [troponin-I (D) plus Dil (E) (yellow arrows)] in Group 5 (combined ADMSCs and sildenafil) showing some troponin I-positive myogenic-like cells (pink arrows) and undifferentiated ADMSCs (yellow arrows) in LV myocardium. CD31-positively stained cells in Group 3 (G) and Group 5 (J) indicating endothelial phenotype. Confocal image study demonstrating rich engrafting of Dil-positively stained ADMSCs (yellow arrows) in LV myocardium of Group 3 (H) and Group 5 (K). The mean CD-31 positively stain areas (pink arrows) were significantly higher (M) in Group 5 (L) than in Group 3 (I).