Fig. 7: The schematic diagram showed the possible mechanism of OPC therapy for stroke.

a In the normal condition, endothelial cells expressed tight junction proteins such as claudin-5 and occludin to keep the integrity of BBB. b The tight junction proteins were disrupted by oxidative stress and inflammation after stroke. c In the OPC therapy, transplanted OPCs released Wnt7a which acting on the corresponding receptor Fzd in the membrane of endothelial cells. Then Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated and upregulated claudin-5.