Fig 1: Secretion of growth factors by adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and the formation of networks by co-culture with endothelial cells (ECs) or lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). (a) The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), VEGF-A, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the medium bathing cultured ASCs were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. HGF and VEGF-A were both secreted by ASCs, whereas the levels of secreted VEGF-C and b-FGF were much lower. (b) Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing ECs and ASCs co-cultured at a ratio of 1:4. Networks of vascular ECs were observed, and the edges of the vascular EC network were sharp (arrows). (c) GFP-LECs and ASCs co-cultured at a ratio of 1:4. The LECs formed networks, but in contrast to vascular ECs, rounded/bulging structures were observed at the edges of the LEC network (arrowheads). (d) Merge image of (c) and phase-contrast image. ASCs shows random pattern with no specific character which do not form own network or support LEC network directly.