Muscle-derived autologous mitochondrial transplantation: a novel strategy for treating cerebral ischemic injury.

•The number of viable mitochondria in the CSF was inversely correlated with neurological deficits after MCAO.•Exogenous mitochondria existed widely in the neurons of the ischemic penumbra areas.•Autologous mitochondria replenishment ameliorated infarct volume and functional outcome after cerebral ischemic injury.