Transplantation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes behavioral recovery and endogenous neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia in rats

►Neurotrophic factors are necessary for endogenous neurogenesis after brain ischemia. ►hBMSCs treatment increases the expression of BDNF, NT-3, and VEGF in ischemic brain. ►hBMSCs enhance proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells in the SVZ and SGZ. ►hBMSCs accelerate migration of newborn neuroblasts to the ischemic boundary zone. ►hBMSCs promote newborn neuroblasts differentiation to neurons and reduce apoptosis.