Nestin and WT1 expression in small-sized vasa vasorum from human normal arteries.

Abstract

We describe Nestin and WT1 in adult VV, especially <50 µm and gathered in "hot spots". The nuclear localization of WT1 could express an increasing transcriptional activity in progenitor-committed Nestin-positive cells. The "hot spot" could therefore represent a valid model for the vasculogenic niche in normal arteries and could potentially represent the main source for neovasculogenesis during atherosclerosis.