Preservation of interhemispheric cortical connections through corpus callosum following intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of cerebral infarction.

•Interhemispheric cortical connections via CC in stroke after I.V. MSCs were shown.•Both DTI and AAV-based tracing techniques were used.•The interhemispheric cortical connection in the MSC-treated group was greater.•These preservation/restorations may contribute to functional recovery for stroke.