The observation that the effect of Semax on the pCREB content was manifested only in the subcortex, whereas that of the MMP-9 and c-Fos proteins was observed in the cortex and that of pJNK was detected in the cortex and subcortex, apparently reflects both significant differences and similarities in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of damage, and neuroprotection in the zones of infarction and areas of the brain outside ischemia. This evidence concerns the gene FOS and ischemia.