By directly counting cleaved caspase-3-expressing cells with a non-vascular phenotype, we have shown next a clear-cut reduction in the number of apoptotic cells in the scar and peri-scar regions of the treated animals, even at 7 days after induction of the MCAO, and this non-transient reduction of apoptosis also translated into an improvement in later motor outcome after ischemia. This evidence concerns the gene CASP3 and ischemia.