FGF2 and middle cerebral artery infarction: For example, intravenous infusion of basic fibroblast growth factor (βFGF) for three consecutive days prior to permanent middle cerebral artery infarction and temporary bilateral carotid artery occlusion reduces the infarct size by 25% in rats (Koketsu et al., 1994; Sugimori et al., 2001).