This video demonstrates the establishment of the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion model in a rat pup. The internal carotid artery (ICA) is exposed, and a ligature is secured to restrict blood flood. An occlude is inserted through the ICA to reach the Middle Cerebral Artery. The pup is then allowed to recover before further analysis.
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Method Article
Generating a Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in a Rat Pup to Induce Local Brain Ischemia
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April 28th, 2025
In This Article
Abstract
Protocol
All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.
1. Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
- Weigh the pup and ensure that it is the proper weight (19-21 g). Anesthetize the pup in 3% isoflurane in 100% oxygen (O2) and ensure that there is no response to a foot pinch. Maintain the body surface temperature between 35.5 °C and 37 °C with the use of a heating pad un....
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Results
Figure 1: Live Surgical Images of the tMCAO Procedure. (A) The first suture strand is looped around the ICA, as detailed in step 1.6. (B) The first temporary ligature is tied, and the ICA is retracted. The second suture s.......
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Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isoflourane | Henry Schein | 50033 | Anesthetic, at 3% |
| Trinocular Surgioscope | World Precision Instruments | PSMT5N | |
| Heating pad | Sunbeam | 000731-500-000 | Low to medium setting |
| IR Thermometer | Extech Instruments | 72-5270 | |
| Retraction kit for small animals | Fine Science Tools | 18200-20 | |
| CermaCut Scissors | Fine Science Tools | 14958-09 | |
| Dumont #5SF Forceps | Fine Science Tools | 112522-00 | 2x |
| Dumont #5/45 Forceps | Fine Science Tools | 11251-35 | 2x |
| B-2 Micro Clamp | Fine Science Tools | 00398-02 | |
| Forcepts for Clamp Application | Fine Science Tools | 00072-14 | |
| Micro Vannas Scissors | Fine Science Tools | 15000-03 | 2mm cutting edge |
| Occlusion Sutures | Doccol | 602123PK10 | 701712PK5Re |
| Ruler | Fine Science Tools | ||
| 6-0 Perma-Hand Silk Reverse CuttingSuture | Ethicon | 769G | |
| Euthasol | Virbac | 710101 | 0.22 ml/kg |
| Cotton Tipped Applicators | Henry Schein | 100-9249 | |
| Laboratory Tape | VWR | 89097-990 |
