Effect of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Treatment and Forced Arm Use on Functional Motor Recovery After Small Cortical Ischemia

Postischemic intravenous BDNF treatment improves functional motor recovery after photothrombotic stroke and induces widespread neuronal remodeling. Early FAU treatment after stroke does not increase infarct size, impairs sensorimotor function, but leaves motor function unchanged. Postischemic astrogliosis was reduced by both treatments.