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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels
Published on: September 9, 2016
Nestin and WT1 expression in small-sized vasa vasorum from human normal arteries
Francesco Vasuri1, Silvia Fittipaldi, Marina Buzzi
1Chair of Vascular Surgery, Department of Specialistic Surgery and Anaesthesiological Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy.
Histology and Histopathology
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Vasa vasorum (VV) contain progenitor cells expressing Nestin and WT1, particularly in smaller vessels within "hot spots". This suggests a potential source for neovascularization in healthy arteries and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Vasa vasorum (VV) neovascularization is linked to progenitor cells.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for vascular repair and neovascularization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and immunohistochemical expression of Nestin and WT1 in adult vasa vasorum.
- To identify potential markers and locations of progenitor cells within VV.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 arteries from 16 multiorgan donors.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD31, CD34, Nestin, and WT1.
- Double immunofluorescence for Nestin and WT1 co-localization.
Main Results:
- Significant expression of Nestin (8.90/mm²) and WT1 (7.98/mm²) in VV.
- Higher Nestin and WT1 positivity in smaller VV (<50 µm) and in specific
- hot spots.
- Nestin and WT1 were co-localized in the same endothelial cells, with WT1 showing nuclear expression in smaller VV.
Conclusions:
- Adult vasa vasorum, especially small vessels in
- hot spots,
- express EPC markers Nestin and WT1.
- These findings suggest a vasculogenic niche within normal arteries that may contribute to neovascularization in atherosclerosis.
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