The reasons for the inconsistency could be: 1) different experimental stroke models used, an intraluminal MCAO model was used in the present study while a craniotomy MCAO model was performed in the earlier study; 2) different neuropeptide delivery methods, a single injection of freshly prepared GAL was applied in the present study, but a continuously infused i.c.v was applied in the earlier study; and 3) timing of TTC staining, due to the inert limitations of TTC staining, this method cannot provide a reliable delineation of the infarct core beyond 24 h [34]. This evidence concerns the gene GAL and stroke disorder.