VEGFA and brain ischemia: VEGF is also secreted by DPSCs; hence, these cells can release angiogenic factors extracellularly.13, 39 Transplanted cells promote the secretion of angiogenic cytokines, which increase the proliferation of existing vascular endothelial cells during the first 14 days after cerebral ischemia.40, 41 We have shown that the numbers of RECA-1-positive cells in the cortical IBZ increased compared to those in the control group and that DPSC/HGF treatment significantly increased microvessel density in the IBZ at 14 days after reperfusion compared to that with unmodified DPSC treatment.