Figure 1

NSPCs support morphogenesis and differentiation of primary mouse brain ECs. ECs were grown alone (A) or in co-culture with NSPCs (B) for 48 hours. The cells were visualized by IF staining for actin, using acti-stain 488 fluorescent phalloidin (red, pseudo-color), and DAPI nuclear stain (blue). Bar 20 μm. Note the changes in NSPC-induced EC morphology, also demonstrated on the high magnification images (inserts). C and D: immunostaining with CD31 antibody (the cells were plated on Matrigel matrix). CD31 (green) was localized to the cell membrane of the ECs co-cultured with NSPCs (D, arrowheads and insert), in contrast to its intracellular localization in EC monocultures (C). Bar 10 μm.