cTBS increased the neural stem/progenitor cell pool and the level of newly generated immature neurons in the peri-infarct cortical area after PT stroke. (a-j) Representative micrographs of the two well-described neural stem/progenitor markers (Nestin and SOX2), and a marker of newly generated immature neurons (TuJ1). (k-m) Quantitative analyses of SOX2 positive (SOX2+) cells, and the area fractions of Nestin and TuJ1 in the peri-infarct region. (n) Representative directionality histograms of Tuj1 in PT group and cTBS group at day 6 after PT stroke. Scale bars = 50 µm, Magnification: ×40. *P < 0.05 versus Ctl group, #P < 0.05 versus PT group without cTBS at day 6 and 22 time points, respectively. Data are presented as mean ± SE (N = 5-8).