A multiparametric MRI protocol was performed at 4.7T to characterize brain damage within three region of interest: 'LesionD0' (diffusion), 'Mismatch' representing penumbra (perfusion/diffusion) and 'Hypoxia' (voxels < 40% of StO<sub>2</sub> within the region of interest LesionD0).
These include the genetic factors in the aetiology and treatment of ischaemic stroke, the interplay between microvessels, neurons and glia (i.e., the microvascular unit) in the setting of acute stroke, a critical review of various neuroimaging techniques to visualize ischaemic tissue that is still viable (the ischaemic penumbra), recanalization strategies by means of intravenous thrombolysis as well as future recanalization techniques by, for example, intra-arterial or mechanical thrombolysis and sonothrombolysis by a transcranial approach.
We suggest that up-regulation of FGF-2 is one of the mechanisms that leads to angiogenesis and neuro-protection in the penumbra region after acute stroke in man.