Col1α1⁺ cells are distinct from NG2⁺ pericytes before and after injury. A, D, Col1α1⁺ cells surround larger-diameter arterioles with NG2⁺ pericytes (red) along smaller microvessels. A–C, NG2⁺ cells are also present as stellate cells. NG2⁺ cells are always encircled by Col1α1⁺ cells (E–H; blue represents DAPI) when present in overlapping regions. At 14 dpi (n = 3, I–L), Col1α1⁺ and NG2⁺ cells that have migrated to the injury site occupy distinct regions, with Col1α1⁺ cells occupying injury epicenter and NG2⁺ cells in the surrounding region. Col1α1⁺ cells appear to be coming off of blood vessels (Glut1, blue, L) at the outer edges of the fibrotic scar. L represents dashed region in K. Scale bars: A, 30 μm; E–H, 5 μm; I–K, 500 μm; L, 50 μm.