Neurorestorative Treatment of Stroke: Cell and Pharmacological Approaches

There is a compelling need to develop cell and pharmacological therapeutic approaches to be administered beyond the hyperacute phase of stroke. These therapies capitalize on the capacity of the brain for neuroregeneration and neuroplasticity and are designed to reduce neurological deficits after stroke. This review provides an update of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and select pharmacological agents in clinical use for other indications that promote the recovery process in the subacute and chronic phases after stroke. Among these agents are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), erythropoietin (EPO), and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Both the MSCs and the pharmacologic agents potentiate brain plasticity and neurobehavioral recovery after stroke.