MSCs treated with endothelial growth medium show improved viability and endothelial-related functions,81 while priming MSCs with serum from stroke animals increased proliferation and secretion of cytokines, thus improving their therapeutic potential.82 Similarly, when cultured in rat ischaemic brain extracts, MSCs respond by increasing secretion of BDNF, VEGF, NGF and HGF.83 The serum content of growth medium can have a profound effect on the MSC secretome. Here, BDNF is linked to stroke disorder.