Figure 2

A. Micro CT scans of explanted constructs. At 14 days, micro-computed tomography demonstrated newly formed vessels, radiating from the arteriovenous loop in both groups. There appeared to be less neovessel formation in the GBP-1-EPC group (left) compared to EV-EPC (right). One particular source of neovessel formation appears to be the interposed graft from the contralateral femoral vein (arrow). Scale Bar = 3 mm. B. Morphometric Analysis of Number of Blood Vessels. At the time of explantation after 2 weeks, there was no significant difference in the average number of blood vessels per region of interest. N= 4 animals per group. 2 independent cross section analyses per animal and construct were performed, i.e. 8 values per group were obtained and evaluated including statistical analysis. C. Morphometric Analysis of Construct Cross Section Size. At the time of explantation 2 weeks after surgery, GBP-1-EPC containing constructs had a larger cross section compared to EV- containing EPC, however, this difference was not statistically significant. N= 4 animals per group. 2 independent cross section analyses per animal and construct were performed, i.e. 8 values per group were obtained and evaluated including statistical analysis. D. Morphometric Analysis of Blood Vessel Density in Construct Cross Sections. Presented as the ratio of blood vessel surface area over total construct surface area, a significant reduction of the percentage of vascularized area in the GBP-1-EPC group compared to control EV EPC is noted. * p<0.05 vs. EV-EPC. N= 4 animals per group. 2 independent cross section analyses per animal and construct were performed, i.e. 8 values per group were obtained and evaluated including statistical analysis.