Fgf2 injections decrease the inflammatory response at the lesion site. Fgf2 decreased tnf-α mRNA (A) 2 days after SCI as shown by qPCR (control intact n = 2; sham operated n = 2; SCI n = 5; SCI +Fgf2 n = 4). SCI, CD11b immunostaining in PBS-control–treated mice (C, E enlargement) compared to reduced levels in Fgf2-treated mice (D, F enlargement). (B) Quantitative analysis of the reactive microglia marker CD11b from 0.25 mm2 areas adjacent the lesion site. (G) Flow cytometry analysis of total cells isolated from spinal lesions by staining for the common leukocyte marker CD45, common myeloid marker CD11b, and the monocyte/macrophage marker CD14. Results are mean ± SEM (n > 5 in each group; ***P < 0.001, two-tailed t-test, 95% confidence). Scale bar in C and D is 200 μm; E and F is 50 μm. Fgf, fibroblast growth factor; SCI, spinal cord injury; qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction; PBS, phosphate buffered saline.