BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Newborn cells may participate in repair following ischemic brain injury, but their survival and function may be influenced by inflammation.

METHODS:

We investigated the effects of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, on the fate of newborn cells following transient focal ischemia.

RESULTS:

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells, including migrating neuroblasts, were observed in the neighboring striatum and overlying cortex 1 day poststroke. The density of BrdU+ cells labeled with doublecortin, nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or NG2 was increased at 14 and 28 days. Indomethacin increased BrdU+ cells of all lineages and reduced microglial/monocyte activation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Indomethacin enhanced the accumulation of newborn cells following stroke.