Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)2 deficiency leads to increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and NO production in brain tissue after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Mouse brain tissues were analyzed for eNOS expression and NO production with Western blot and DAF-FM diacetate staining, respectively, 24h after MCAO. (A) Coronal brain sections were stained with TTC, 24 h after MCAO with indicated infarct core and penumbra of ipsilateral hemisphere. (B) eNOS expression in brain penumbra of wild-type (WT), ROCK1+/− and ROCK2+/− mice, 24 h after MCAO (n=3). (C) DAF-FM diacetate staining for NO levels in brain of WT, ROCK1+/− and ROCK2+/− mice, 24 h after MCAO with indicated ischemic core (n=3). *P<0.05. All data are expressed as mean±SEM.