Inhibited glutamate release by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor after experimental stroke

We investigated the ability of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on inhibiting glutamate release by microdialysis in a rat stroke model. Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were treated with either intravenous saline or G-CSF (60 mu g/kg) 30 min after temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). G-CSF significantly attenuated the release of glutamate in the infarcted striatum from 30 minutes to 180 minutes after tMCAO compared with control (p < 0.05). Infarct volume in G-CSF treated group (I 35 13 mm 3) reduced significantly compared to control (181 +/- 10 mm(3)) at 24 hours after tMCAO. The result of present study show that G-CSF possess an ability to inhibit excitotoxicity after ischemic stroke. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.