In vitro methods are disclosed that rely on a novel phenomenon of
secondary sprouting by cultured endothelial precursor cells, after
angiogenic-like tube formation and collapse have occurred on a basement
membrane matrix. Particularly disclosed is an in vitro method of
isolating and expanding, from a mixed population of mammalian cells
originating from a tissue sample, a cellular population enriched for
endothelial sprout cells, including cells having one or more
physiological and/or immunological features of endothelial precursor
cells. Also disclosed is an in vitro method for a screening a substance
for potential proangiogenic or antiangiogenic activity.