Enhancement of Endothelial Progenitor Cell Numbers and Migration by H1152, a Rho Kinase Specific Inhibitor

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are applied in the treatment of ischemic diseases. In ex vivo culture of human cord-blood derived EPCs, H1152, (S)-(+)-2-methyl-1-[(4-methyl-5-iso-quinolinyl) sulfonyl]-homopiperazine, markedly increased the number of EPCs. It also induced EPC migration, stimulated the phosphorylation of AKT, and reduced the expression of p27 in the EPCs. Thus H1152 can be used effectively in ex vivo expansion of EPCs.