OBJECTIVE: Accumulating evidence indicates a common stem cell may be responsible for
both vasculogenesis and blood cell production during early embryologic development, yet
little is known about the fate of these cells during ontogeny. We sought to determine whether
hematopoietic potential is associated with normal blood vessels in the adult. MATERIALS
AND METHODS: Segments of adult thoracic aorta or inferior vena cava were transplanted
under the kidney capsule of lethally irradiated recipients (1100 cGy). Radioprotection …