Statins increase the number of adherent EPCs. (a and b) MNCs were incubated with atorvastatin as indicated, and adherent DiLDL/lectin-positive cells were counted (13). Basal control values represent 388 ± 146 cells/mm². The solvent DMSO had no effect on EPC differentiation. Data are mean ± SEM, n = 4–6. (c) MNCs were incubated with atorvastatin (1 μM), simvastatin (1 μM), or mevastatin (1 μM) for 24 hours, and adherent cells’ DiLDL uptake (red) and lectin binding (green) were assessed. Double positive cells appear yellow in the overlay. Representative images are shown from at least three experiments. (d) MNCs were incubated for 4 days. Adherent cells were analysed for expression of KDR, CD31, VE-cadherin, and vWF by FACS. Dotted lines represent isotype controls. Similar expression patterns were observed after stimulation of MNCs with atorvastatin (1 μM, 24 hours) (data not shown). Representative images from n = 4 experiments are shown. (e) MNCs were incubated with VEGF for 24 hours and adherent DiLDL/lectin-positive cells were counted. Data are mean ± SEM, n = 3–6.