Table 1 Properties of two different type of EPCs
Characteristics | Early EPCS | Late EPCS |
|---|---|---|
Morphology | Elongated and spindle shape | Cobblestone appearance |
Appearance in culture | 4–7 days of culture | 2–4 weeks |
Purity | Heterogeneous group of cells that differentiate from hemangioblasts to mature endothelial cells | Homogeneous and well differentiated. Derived mainly from “early” EPC |
Life span | 3–4 weeks | Up to 12 weeks |
Proliferation potential | Low compared to “late” EPCs | Highly proliferating |
Gene expression | Week expression of VE-cadherin and KDR. The level of Flt-1 expression elevated | Strong expression of VE-cadherin, Flt-1, KDR, and e-NOS, vWF |
eNOS expression | Less competent endothelial function producing nitric oxide | High competent endothelial function producing nitric oxide |