RESUMO
@#Objective To investigate the role of kinase insert domain containing receptor (KDR) positive cells in the formation of cardiospheric structure, myocardium and vessels. Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats weighting 250 g were selected. Cardiosphere-derived cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion of rat hearts, and their immunological phenotypes were analyzed by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The cardiomyogenic and vasculogenic potential was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. Results KDR positive cells grew exponentially and formed cell clusters. It also could generate myocardial precursor cells (cardiac troponin T positive). And these cells can develop spontaneous contraction activity in vitro. Meanwhile, KDR positive cells formed many vessel-like structures through a budding process. Conclusion KDR positive cells form cardiospheric structure in vitro culture, and exhibit differentiation potential towards the cardiac and vascular cells. Therefore, KDR positive cells may have a broad prospect of clinical application as cell donors.