CXCR4 and myocardial ischemia: Among these substances, the axis of the stromal-derived factor-1 alpha [SDF-1α; chemokine receptor 12 (CXCL12)] and chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) exerts the strongest chemoattractant stimulus for migration and homing of cells in the BM and tumors, but also in ischemic tissues, such in case of myocardial ischemia or ischemic stroke2.