In vitro differentiation characteristics of cultured human mononuclear cells-implications for endothelial progenitor cell biology.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. By use of quantitative uptake of DiLDL and lectin staining, EPCs have been characterized reliably. However, the exact nature and function of this cell population still remains poorly defined.