Effects of G-CSF in combination with rt-PA after experimental thromboembolic stroke

Background and Purpose: Recently, neuroprotective effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) have been shown. Since thrombolysis is limited by reperfusion associated injury and the short therapeutic window after stroke onset, the recent study investigates whether G-CSF is neuroprotective after thromboembolic stroke in rats and can prolong the therapeutic window for thrombolysis. Methods: Wistar rats (n=50) were subjected to thromboembolic occlusion (TE) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). G-CSF (60ug/kg body weight) was administered i.v. 60min after TE. Thrombolysis (T) was performed 3 hours (Th)…