Skin Graft Vascularization Involves Precisely Regulated Regression and Replacement of Endothelial Cells through Both Angiogenesis and Vasculogenesis

Abstract

Replacement of the donor graft vasculature by endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells from the recipient along preexisting channels is the predominant mechanism for skin graft revascularization. This mechanism is likely similar for all nonvascularized free grafts and suggests novel strategies for optimizing the vascularization of tissue constructs engineered in vitro.