Delayed erythropoietin administration promotes neuronal survival and axonal sprouting with an increase in the motor recovery after mild focal cerebral ischaemia in mice

Apart from its hematopoietic and since shortly its neuroprotective role upon ischemia of brain, retina and spinal cord, Erythropoietin (Epo) is a hormone that opens therapeutic possibilities also in the context of neurorehabilitation after stroke. This study investigated how subacute delivery of Epo, starting at 3 days after stroke onset, and continuing for 30 days (1 I.U./day or 10 I.U./day; via mini osmotic pump), influences neuronal survival, axonal sprouting and neurological function abnormalities in C57Bl6/j mice submitted to 30-min middle cerebral artery occlusion. Epo administered in a 10 I.U./day dose, i…