Induction of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice Using the Distal Middle Artery Occlusion Technique

Changlong Leng; Youwei Li; Yaojian Sun; Wei Liu

doi:10.3791/66134

Induzione di ictus ischemico acuto nei topi utilizzando la tecnica di occlusione dell'arteria med...

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Induction of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice Using the Distal Middle Artery Occlusion Technique

Induzione di ictus ischemico acuto nei topi utilizzando la tecnica di occlusione dell'arteria media distale

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07:34 min

December 15, 2023

DOI: 10.3791/66134-v

Changlong Leng*¹, Youwei Li*¹, Yaojian Sun¹, Wei Liu¹

¹Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine,Jianghan University

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Overview

This study presents a detailed protocol for establishing a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) model in C57BL/6J mice using transcranial electrocoagulation. It focuses on evaluating the resulting neurological behaviors and histopathological features observed post-occlusion.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neurological behavior assessment
Histopathological analysis
Ischemic stroke modeling

Background

The medial cerebral artery (MCA) is key in ischemic strokes in humans.
Various MCA occlusion methods exist, but dMCAO offers advantages in terms of surgical invasiveness and survival rates.
The model is beneficial for exploring long-term functional recovery.

Purpose of Study

To generate a reliable experimental ischemic stroke model in rodents.
To assess behavioral outcomes and histopathological changes post-stroke.
To utilize the model for future studies on cognition impairment.

Methods Used

Transcranial electrocoagulation was employed to induce dMCAO.
C57BL/6J mice were used to study neurological changes following occlusion.
Behavioral tests such as grip strength, pole test, adhesive removal, and cylinder test were utilized.
Histological examination of brain tissue was conducted post-behavioral assessments.

Main Results

Mice exhibited significant reductions in grip strength and increased descent times on various behavioral tests.
Histological analysis showed disordered neuron arrangements and reduced cell density in the peri-infarct area.

Conclusions

The study establishes a robust dMCAO model with high reproducibility for stroke research.
This methodology will enhance understanding of structural and behavioral outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Future applications could focus on cognitive impairments in post-stroke recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using the dMCAO model?

The dMCAO model offers decreased surgical invasiveness, smaller infarction sizes, and improved survival rates, making it suitable for long-term studies.

How is the MCA occlusion implemented in this study?

The MCA occlusion is achieved via transcranial electrocoagulation, with careful monitoring of blood flow and subsequent closure of the surgical site.

What types of outcomes are measured in this research?

The study measures neurological behaviors through various tests and evaluates histopathological changes in the brain tissue after the occlusion.

How can this method be adapted for future research?

This methodology can be adapted for investigating various cognitive and sensory deficits after ischemic strokes using different behavioral paradigms.

What are the key limitations of this study?

Limitations include the model being solely conducted in rodents, which may not entirely replicate human pathology, and the focus on acute outcomes post-stroke.

What insights does this study offer about stroke recovery?

The findings provide insights into the structural and behavioral changes that occur after ischemic stroke, paving the way for future investigations into recovery mechanisms.

Qui, presentiamo un protocollo per stabilire un modello di occlusione dell'arteria cerebrale media distale (dMCAO) attraverso l'elettrocoagulazione transcranica in topi C57BL/6J e valutare il successivo comportamento neurologico e le caratteristiche istopatologiche.

Nella presente ricerca, miriamo a fornire un protocollo completo e dettagliato per stabilire un modello di occlusione dell'arteria cerebrale media in topi C57BL/6J utilizzando l'elettrocoagulazione transcranica e abbiamo valutato il successivo comportamento neurologico e le caratteristiche istopatologiche. L'arteria cerebrale media o MCA è riconosciuta come il sito principale dell'ictus ischemico nell'uomo. I metodi di occlusione MCA, compresa la tecnica, l'introduzione fotochimica e l'occlusione, sono stati ampiamente impiegati per indurre l'ischemia cerebrale focale nei roditori.

Rispetto ad altri modelli di ictus ischemico, questo modello ha il vantaggio di una minore invasività chirurgica, dimensioni dell'infarto più piccole e un tasso di sopravvivenza più elevato, rendendolo più adatto per lo studio del recupero funzionale a lungo termine dopo ictus ischemico. Nel complesso, l'approccio attuale genera efficacemente un modello sperimentale affidabile di ictus ischemico che mostra un'elevata sopravvivenza e un'eccellente ripetibilità. Di conseguenza, questa metodologia funge da strumento inestimabile sia per la ricerca di base che per la ricerca traslazionale nel campo dell'ictus.

In futuro, impiegheremo paradigmi comportamentali come il riconoscimento di nuovi oggetti e il labirinto d'acqua per studiare le alterazioni dinamiche nelle capacità di apprendimento e memoria a lungo termine tra i topi occlusi con MCA distale. Questo ci permetterà di accertare la fattibilità di utilizzarli come modello animale per studi di compromissione cognitiva post-ictus.

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