Fig. 2. Functional perfusion of FGF2-induced Matrigel vessels. Mice containing Matrigel plugs were utilized on day 5 (A-D) and day 9 (E-H) for FITC-dextran (FITC-dx; green) perfusion to identify vessels connected to the circulation. Sections prepared from the plugs were stained for DAPI (blue), CD31 (red) and NG2 (magenta). At day 5, prior to the appearance of CD31⁺ endothelial cells, FITC-dextran is not present in the cellular networks. At day 9, FITC-dextran perfusion is apparent in vessels containing both pericytes and endothelial cells. All panels represent z-stacks of confocal images. Scale bars: 40 µm.