The present invention provides isolated populations of stem and progenitor cells from fetal vascular lobules of the placenta. The isolated populations of stem and progenitor cells of the invention express the markers CD144, CD105, and/or CD31 and lack expression of the hematopoietic-lineage marker CD45. Under specific conditions, cells of the invention may function as endothelial precursors and may provide therapeutic preparations, for example, in the treatment of ischemia.
