Figure 3.

Ly6C⁺ cells are one of the major contributors for BDNF production at day 2. (a–d) Distribution of Ly6C⁺ and BDNF⁺ cells in the infarct before MSC transplantation. (e–h) Distribution of Ly6C⁺ and BDNF⁺ cells in the infarct after MSC transplantation. (a, e) Ly6C staining. (b, f) BDNF. (c, g) DAPI nucleus staining. (d) Double-stained Ly6C⁺/BDNF⁺ cells scattered in the infarct area after dMCAO. (h) Ly6C⁺/BDNF⁺ cells 2 days after MSC transplantation. (i, j) Squares in (d) and (h). Ly6C⁺ cell number was reduced in the infarct area 2 days after MSC transplantation, and the quantity and percentage of double-stained BDNF⁺ Ly6C⁺ cells were increased in these areas. (k) The cell counting results of Ly6C⁺, BDNF⁺, and Ly6C⁺/BDNF⁺ cells before and after MSC transplantation. (l) The percentage of Ly6C⁺/BDNF⁺ cells among Ly6C⁺ cells was increased by MSC treatment. (^∗ p < 0.05 and ^∗∗ p < 0.01, as compared with the ischemia vehicle group). Arrow: double-labeled cells. n = 5; scale bar: (a–h) 250 μm and (i, j) 50 μm.