Angiogenesis is critical for long-term repair following early focal ischemia–reperfusion injury, but remarkably little is known regarding the local vascular response to early focal ischemia–reperfusion injury in the brain.33 In an adult stroke model, Shh administration increased microvessel density and EC number 7 days after MCAO,13 while Smo agonist cyclopamine blocked neuroprotective effects in early subarachnoid hemorrhage.34 In our model of neonatal tMCAO, SAG administration promoted OPC numbers and angiogenesis. Here, SAG is linked to stroke disorder.