Endothelial-like vascular progenitor cells assist in the repair of injured renal capillary networks.

This article details an investigation of the function of renal artery progenitor cells in animal models of acute ischemic and hyperperfusion injuries. Renal artery-derived vascular progenitor cells (with surface markers consistent with endothelial progenitor cells) reduced albuminuria after hyperperfusion, and improved blood flow. These results show potential for therapeutic use of pro-angiogenic progenitor cells.