Abstract: Cell based compositions and methods are provided for inducing the formation of vascular structures in a warm blooded vertebrate. In one embodiment the composition comprises purified endothelial progenitor cells and adipose stromal cells and the method of stimulating the formation of vascular structures comprises the steps of implanting the composition in a host organism.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to evaluate the therapeutic vasculogenic potential of a variety of cells including endothelial cells using a monolayer of pericytic cells are disclosed. Pericytic cells or mural cells including those isolated from adipose tissue, such as for example, adipose stromal cells (ASC) or adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) provide suitable conditions that stimulate endothelial cells from different origins to modulate stable vascular network organization in an in vitro experimental setting. Compositions that contain premixed ASC and EC are suitable for testing a candidate agent's angiogenic or antiangiogenic potential.