Modeling Stroke in Mice: Permanent Coagulation of the Distal Middle Cerebral Artery

作者： Gemma Llovera*1,2, Stefan Roth*1,2, Nikolaus Plesnila1,2, Roland Veltkamp3,4, Arthur Liesz1,2 1Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research,University Hospital Munich, 2Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 3Department of Neurology,University Heidelberg, 4Imperial College,Charing Cross Hospital

简介：

Overview

This article presents a method for performing a permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice, which results in consistent cortical infarction similar to human ischemic strokes. The technique is valuable for both basic and translational stroke research due to its reproducibility and minimal mortality rate.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Neuroscience
• Stroke Research
• Animal Models

Background

• Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is a common model for studying ischemic stroke.
• This model allows for the examination of cortical infarction in a controlled environment.
• Understanding stroke mechanisms in mice can provide insights applicable to human conditions.
• Reproducibility and low mortality rates enhance the model's utility in research.

Purpose of Study

• To demonstrate a reliable method for inducing permanent MCAO in mice.
• To assess the resulting cortical infarct size and its relevance to human strokes.
• To evaluate behavioral outcomes post-surgery using limb use asymmetry tests.

Methods Used

• Baseline limb use asymmetry scoring prior to surgery.
• Electrocoagulation of the distal middle cerebral artery to induce stroke.
• Post-operative assessment of sensory motor deficits using the cylinder test.
• Analysis of infarct volume through crestal violet staining of brain sections.

Main Results

• The mean infarct volume measured 15.4 cubic millimeters, representing approximately 12% of one brain hemisphere.
• Significant limb asymmetry was detected 24 hours post-surgery, with partial recovery observed in the following week.
• The model demonstrated low variability in infarct location and size.
• Mortality due to the procedure was less than 5%, primarily from subarachnoid hemorrhaging or anesthesia errors.

Conclusions

• The described MCAO method is effective for studying ischemic stroke in mice.
• It provides a reproducible model with minimal mortality and consistent outcomes.
• Behavioral tests and histological analyses can further characterize the effects of the stroke.

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