CD31+ Circulating Angiogenic Cell Number and Subtypes are Reduced in Individuals with Chronic Stroke

Curr Neurovasc Res. 2021;18(1):113-122. doi: 10.2174/1567202618666210406125558.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Reduced number and function of CD31+ circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) may explain vascular complications associated with the chronic phase stroke. The purpose of this study was to quantify CD31+ CAC paracrine function, total number and number of various subtypes of CD31+ CACs in individuals with chronic stroke compared with controls.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from chronic stroke participants and controls. CD31+ cells were quantified by flow cytometry, as was co-expression of CD31 in combination with CD14, CD3, CD11b, or CD34. Immunomagnetically selected CD31+ cells were cultured, and conditioned medium was used in a capillary-like network assay.

Results: Significantly lower levels of CD31+ CACs were found in stroke participants compared with controls (-24%; P=0.04). Additionally, CD31+/CD14+, CD31+/CD11b+ and CD31+/CD3+ cells were significantly lower in the chronic stroke group compared with controls (-45%, P=0.02; -47%, P=0.02 and -32%, P=0.03, respectively). There was no group effect on CD31+ CAC conditioned media-mediated capillary-like network formation.

Conclusion: CD31+ CACs and subtypes may serve as potential therapeutic targets in chronic stroke recovery.

Keywords: CD31; Circulating angiogenic cells; angiogenesis.; angiogenic T cell; chronic stroke; paracrine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism*
  • Stroke / blood*

Substances

  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1