Recombinant GDF11 Promotes Recovery in a Rat Permanent Ischemia Model of Subacute Stroke | Stroke
Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, underscoring the urgent need for treatments that enhance recovery. Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is a circulating protein involved in cellular development and tissue repair. GDF11 has gained attention for its potential regenerative properties in aging and disease contexts, making it a candidate for stroke recovery therapies. Methods: The therapeutic benefits of recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) were evaluated using a rat ischemic stroke model, in which focal cerebral infarcts were induced in 8 –10 week-old young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by permanently occluding the proximal right middle cerebral artery. Rats received single or multiple doses of rGDF11 (0.1-4 mg/kg) or vehicle 24-72 hours post-injury. Sensorimotor functions were evaluated, and brain and serum samples were examined to determine mechanism of action and identify biomarkers, using immunofluorescence, target-spec
