Anti-Nogo-A antibody treatment six months post-stroke results in neuroplasticity and improved functional outcome

Abstract

We have reported that anti-Nogo-A antibody therapy is effective in enhancing neuroplasticity and improving functional recovery when given up to two months post-stroke. Here we assessed whether this therapy would be effective at a much later time point post-stroke. Rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion to permanently impair their preferred forelimb and six months later were given either anti-Nogo-A antibody, control antibody or no antibody. Rats receiving anti-Nogo-A antibody showed significant behavioral improvement that correlated with cortico-rubral plasticity, indicating that anti-Nogo-A antibody is effective even long after the injury has occurred, opening the treatment window for many stroke survivors.