A. Representative protein bands of GAP43. Protein of β-actin was probed to show even loading of proteins for western blotting. B. Bar graphs show average protein optical densities, which were normalized to sham groups, and expressed as percentages. The protein levels were decreased post-stroke, but IPostC maintained its levels. Rapamycin administration abolished the protective effects of IPostC. *, ** vs sham, P<0.05, 0.01, respectively; #, between indicated two groups, P<0.05. N=6-8/group.