Open Access Highly Accessed Research article

An extended window of opportunity for G-CSF treatment in cerebral ischemia

Armin Schneider1*, Rainer Wysocki2,3†, Claudia Pitzer1†, Carola Krüger1, Rico Laage1, Stefan Schwab3,4, Alfred Bach1 and Wolf-Rüdiger Schäbitz2*

Author Affiliations

1 Axaron Bioscience AG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

2 Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48149 Münster, Germany

3 Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

4 Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

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BMC Biology 2006, 4:36 doi:10.1186/1741-7007-4-36

Published: 18 October 2006

Abstract

Background

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is known as a powerful regulator of white blood cell proliferation and differentiation in mammals. We, and others, have shown that G-CSF is effective in treating cerebral ischemia in rodents, both relating to infarct size as well as functional recovery. G-CSF and its receptor are expressed by neurons, and G-CSF regulates apoptosis and neurogenesis, providing a rational basis for its beneficial short- and long-term actions in ischemia. In addition, G-CSF may contribute to re-endothelialisation and arteriogenesis in the vasculature of the ischemic penumbra. In addition to these trophic effects, G-CSF is a potent neuroprotective factor reliably reducing infarct size in different stroke models.

Results

Here, we have further delayed treatment and studied effects of G-CSF on infarct volume in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and functional outcome in the cortical photothrombotic model. In the MCAO model, we applied a single dose of 60 μg/kg bodyweight G-CSF in rats 4 h after onset of ischemia. Infarct volume was determined 24 h after onset of ischemia. In the rat photothrombotic model, we applied 10 μg/kg bodyweight G-CSF daily for a period of 10 days starting either 24 or 72 h after induction of ischemia. G-CSF both decreased acute infarct volume in the MCAO model, and improved recovery in the photothrombotic model at delayed timepoints.

Conclusion

These data further strengthen G-CSF's profile as a unique candidate stroke drug, and provide an experimental basis for application of G-CSF in the post-stroke recovery phase.