Name: Modeling Stroke in Mice - Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with the Filament Model (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2011-01-06T17:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 6 min 28 s
Description: Learn the filament technique for middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice to model ischemic stroke. This method enables reproducible lesions and behavioral assessment of neurological deficits.

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5 minutes

This work was funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n&deg; 201024 and n&deg; 202213 (European Stroke Network). Additional funding was given by the Bundesministerium f&uuml;r Bildung und Forschung (Center for Stroke Research Berlin), and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Exzellenzcluster NEUROCURE).
The authors would like to thank Mareike Thielke (Dep. for Experimental Neurology, Charit&eacute; Berlin) for the support during the operation and Elke Ludwig (Charit&eacute; Video Services) for producing the animation.

To guarantee high quality and reproducibility, we recommend the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). In this video, published SOPs as developed and used in our laboratory are applied. 1
1. Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
 <ol>
 <li>Mice are anaesthetized with an appropriate anaesthetic regime in consult with veterinary staff. (E.g. induction with 1.5 - 2 % Isoflurane and maintainance with 1.0 - 1.5 % Isoflurane in 2/3 N2O and 1/3 O2 using a vaporizer).
 <ol>
 <li>Body temperature of the mice is maintained at 36.5°C ± 0.5°C during surgery with a heating plate. A feedback controlled heating pad, which warms according to the rectal temperature of the mouse, is highly recommended.</li>
 <li>Disinfect the skin and surrounding fur with an appropriate agent (e.g. 70% ethyl alcohol) and dry it afterwards.</li>
 </ol>
 </li>
 <li>A midline neck incision is made and the soft tissues are pulled apart.</li>
 <li>The left common carotid artery (LCCA) is carefully dissected free from the surrounding nerves (without harming the vagal nerve) and a ligature is made using 6.0/7.0 string. 5.0 string can also be used.</li>
 <li>The left external carotid artery (LECA) is then separated and a second knot is made.</li>
 <li>Next, the left internal carotid artery (LICA) is isolated and a knot is prepared with a 6.0 filament.</li>
 <li>After obtaining good view of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) and the left pterygopalatine artery (LPA), both arteries are clipped, using a microvascular clip. </li>
 <li>A small hole is cut in the LCCA before it bifurcates to the LECA and the LICA. A monofilament made of 8.0 nylon coated with silicon hardener mixture (see below) is then introduced into the LICA, until it stops at the clip. Attention has to be paid not to enter the occipital artery. (Figure 1)</li>
 <li>The clipped arteries are opened while the filament is inserted into the LICA to occlude the origin of the LMCA in the circle of Willis.</li>
 <li>The third knot on the LICA is closed to fix the filament in position.</li>
 <li>The mice receive saline 0.5 mL subcutaneously as volume replenishment. For pain relief, Lidocaine gel is topically applied in the wound.</li>
 <li>If reperfusion is intended, mice stay for 30 - 90 min occlusion in a heated cage, the wound could be closed with a small suture clip. Afterwards, a second anaesthesia is performed, the third knot on the ICA is momentary opened and the filament withdrawn. </li>
 <li>The remaining sutures are shortened and the skin is adapted with a surgical suture.</li>
 <li>All animals receive a second volume replenishment as described above.</li>
 <li>Animals are put in a heated cage for two hours to control for body temperature.
	<ol>
 	<li>The animals must be checked daily after surgery for signs of discomfort. The mice could show some post surgical weight loss. They receive mashed food in a petri-dish placed on the floor to encourage eating. The food is replaced daily for seven days.</li>
	</ol>
 </li>
</ol>
2. Sham Operation
<ol>
 <li>For sham operations the filament is inserted to occlude LMCA and withdrawn immediately to allow instant reperfusion (1.8). The subsequent operation is identical to that performed on the animals undergoing cerebral ischaemia (1.9 - 1.14) including a second anaesthesia.</li>
</ol>
3. Preparation of the Filament
<ol>
 <li>Sterility of the filament should be considered. The use of sterilized equipment as well as an appropriate handling of the filament afterwards is a prerequisite for a sterile surgery. Disinfection of the filament is difficult, since many of the common sterilization methods may worsen the quality of the filament. However methods such as radiation, for example with UV light or γ rays, or chemical sterilization, for example with highly reactive gases such as ethylene oxide, are applicable.</li>
 <li>8.0 nylon filament is cut into lengths of 11 mm under the microscope</li>
 <li>The filament tip must be coated completely and evenly over a length of 8 mm with a hardener mixture of Xantopren M Mucosa and Activator NF Optosil</li>
</ol>
4. Representative Results
Depending on the duration of blood flow restriction, different motor and behavioural deficits result. Both after 30 and 60 min of cerebral ischaemia, animals in most cases show decreased resistance to lateral push and circling due to disturbance in locomotion. Milder lesions manifest as a flexor position in the front limbs. These easily observable signs can be used as a basic score for the success of the operation.2 
Morphologically the lesion can be assessed using either histology or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Sixty minutes occlusion of the middle cerebral artery produces tissue pannecrosis in an area including both the striatum and the neocortex, whereas 30 minutes of ischaemia cause mainly neuronal cell death limited to the striatum. 3 ( Figure 2) In terms of infarct volume, we expect a standard deviation lower than 30% in a set of operations. Mortality depends on the occlusion time with around 5 % after 30 min of ischaemia and 10 - 20 % after 60 min.
Another minimal invasive possibility is the use of Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) during the operation, which allows a direct control of its success. In an individual animal, reduction to 10 - 20 % of preocclusion values clearly indicates successful induction of focal cerebral ischemia. 4 However, LDF cannot be used as a method for interindividual comparisons, since LDF can only measure quantitative changes (in percentages) of blood flow within a small and limited tissue sample volume. It does not give information about the spatial extent of blood flow reduction. 5
There are several tests to assess behavioural aspects after stroke, including gait analysis 6,7, Rotarod 8, Pole test 9,10, adhesive removal test 11,12, staircase test 13,14, ladder rung test15,16 and Morris water maze17. In all these tests, mice subjected to MCAo perform less successfully than control animals.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2423/2423fig1.jpg" alt="Circle of Willis diagram; cerebral arteries labeled: MCA, ICA, PPA, ECA, CCA; vascular anatomy." data-altupdatedat="1788235205000" data-alt="Figure 1"> Figure 1. Scheme of the vessel architecture supplying the brain (depicted in background) in the mouse. Different strains may show variations, for example the occipital artery sometimes leaves from the internal carotid artery.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2423/2423fig2.jpg" alt="MCAo experiment diagram, cerebral blood flow graph, reperfusion at 30, 60 min, brain ischemia." data-altupdatedat="1788235205000" data-alt="Figure 2"> Figure 2. Schematic illustration of typical lesion sizes after different time points of reperfusion in the proximal MCAo model. In the middle, the typical course of functional activity and cerebral blood flow after MCAo are depicted. (MCAo: Middle cerebral artery occlusion, LDF: Laser Doppler flow measurement)

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<li>Group, S. T. A. I. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Recommendations+for+standards+regarding+preclinical+neuroprotective+and+restorative+drug+development%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Stroke%22%5BJournal%5D)">Recommendations for standards regarding preclinical neuroprotective and restorative drug development.</a> Stroke. 30, 2752-2758 (1999).</li>
</ol>

Experiments on animals were performed in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set forth by Landesamt fuer Gesundheit und Soziales, Berlin, Germany.

The model of transient, proximal MCA occlusion18,19 presented here mimics one of the most common types of ischaemic stroke in patients.20 Based on variable reperfusion times, the model offers different grades of damage ranging from transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to large infarcts including major parts of the ischemic hemisphere. This allows the researcher to study different pathophysiological mechanisms after stroke. 20,21
Surgery can be performed in a short time period and produces highly reproducible lesions. Nevertheless, this requires a thorough control of confounders.22 Small differences in operation technique may account for different effects on the infarct.23,24 Furthermore, due to variances in cerebral vascular anatomy, different mouse strains show a different outcome.25,26 Body temperature affects neurological damage, with hypothermia leading to smaller lesions27 and hyperthermia to more severe deficits.28 Accordingly, temperature control and maintenance is highly relevant in this model.29 In addition, blood pressure and blood gases are important confounders of outcome and need to be monitored.30,31 The use of quick and minimal invasive methods (non-invasive blood pressure measurement, suitable and easy accessible blood collection sites) is recommended. The choice of the anaesthetic is also highly important, as some may have neuroprotective effects, and/or be vasodilators, as for example Isoflurane.32 Consequently, exposure to anaesthesia should be as short as possible and standardized. We exclude animals which have undergone surgery for longer than 15 min. 
Shaving the surgical site produces microabrasions and inflammation and releases hair fragments. This may further increase inflammation and foster local infection, which may impact on stroke pathophysiology. Housing conditions, especially the use of enrichment, may affect stroke outcome and should be standardized and described in research reports. 6,33,34 The use of environmental enrichment and its effect on reproducibility is a matter of discussion.35 Another important confounder is the stroke induced risk for infection especially after longer times of ischaemia36, which leads to additional morbidity and increased mortality. 37,38 As infections become symptomatic at around day 3 to 5, this has important consequences for long term follow-up in such models.
To produce results relevant for the development of novel treatment strategies for stroke, standardization and quality control is highly important in preclinical translational stroke research. 39 "Good Laboratory Practice" 40,41 mandates:
<ol>
	<li>an appropriate and detailed description of animals used;</li>
	<li>sample size calculation and reporting on the expected effect size;</li>
	<li>inclusion and exclusion criteria, set up before the study;</li>
	<li>randomization of the allocation into groups;</li>
	<li>allocation concealment with respect to the investigators;</li>
	<li>reporting animals excluded from analysis;</li>
	<li>blinded assessment of outcome;</li>
	<li>reporting potential conflicts of interest and study funding.</li>
</ol>

<table><tbody><tr><td>Surgical scissors (skin cut)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>14028-10</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2 Dumont forceps (Medical #5 straight tip)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>11253-20</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Spring scissors (according to Vannas)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>15000-00</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Applying forceps for micro clamps</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>00072-14</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Micro vascular clamp (e.g. S&amp;amp;G B1-V)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>00396-01</td><td>Also Serrefine possible</td></tr><tr><td>2 Hemostats according to Hartmann</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>13002-10</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Needle holder (according Olsen-Hegar or other)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>12002-14</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Standard anatomical forceps (for wound closure)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>11000-12</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5/0 sutures </td><td>Suprama</td><td></td><td>for vascular ligatures</td></tr><tr><td>6/0 sutures </td><td>Suprama</td><td></td><td>for skin suture, 5/0 also possible</td></tr><tr><td>Lidocaine (e.g. Xylocain Gel 2%)</td><td>AstraZeneca</td><td></td><td>or other local pain relief</td></tr><tr><td>Dissecting microscope (stereo microscope), magnification 6x to max. 40x</td><td>Leica Zeiss</td><td>MZ6 Stemi2000C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cold light source</td><td>Leica Microsystems</td><td>KL1500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Temperature feedback controlled heating pad system</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>21052-00</td><td>With mouse pad and small probe</td></tr><tr><td>Anaethesia system for isoflurane</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isoflurane</td><td>Abott</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Veterinary Recovery Chamber</td><td>Peco Services</td><td>V1200</td><td>Heated cage</td></tr><tr><td>8.0 nylon filament</td><td>Suprama</td><td>TEL181005</td><td>for coating</td></tr><tr><td>Scalpel</td><td></td><td></td><td>For cutting filament in pieces</td></tr><tr><td>Ruler</td><td></td><td></td><td>To cut correct length of filament</td></tr><tr><td>Xantopren M Mucosa</td><td>Heraeus Instruments</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Activator Universal Plus</td><td>Heraeus Instruments</td><td></td><td>Optosil - Xantopren</td></tr><tr><td>2 Dumont forceps (Medical #5 straight tip)</td><td>Fine Science Tools</td><td>11253-20</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>A soft underlay for storing and grasping the uncoated filaments</td><td></td><td></td><td>e.g. swabs, foam, &amp;#8230;</td></tr><tr><td>Receptacle for new build filaments</td><td></td><td></td><td>e.g. petri dish, flexible foam,&amp;#8230;</td></tr></tbody></table>

modeling stroke in mice - middle cerebral artery occlusion with the filament model

Modeling Stroke in Mice - Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with the Filament Model

Stroke is among the most frequent causes of death and adult disability, especially in highly developed countries. However, treatment options to date are very limited. To meet the need for novel therapeutic approaches, experimental stroke research frequently employs rodent models of focal cerebral ischaemia. Most researchers use permanent or transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice or rats.
Proximal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) via the intraluminal suture technique (so called filament or suture model) is probably the most frequently used model in experimental stroke research. The intraluminal MCAO model offers the advantage of inducing reproducible transient or permanent ischaemia of the MCA territory in a relatively non-invasive manner. Intraluminal approaches interrupt the blood flow of the entire territory of this artery. Filament occlusion thus arrests flow proximal to the lenticulo-striate arteries, which supply the basal ganglia. Filament occlusion of the MCA results in reproducible lesions in the cortex and striatum and can be either permanent or transient. In contrast, models inducing distal (to the branching of the lenticulo-striate arteries) MCA occlusion typically spare the striatum and primarily involve the neocortex. In addition these models do require craniectomy. In the model demonstrated in this article, a silicon coated filament is introduced into the common carotid artery and advanced along the internal carotid artery into the Circle of Willis, where it blocks the origin of the middle cerebral artery. In patients, occlusions of the middle cerebral artery are among the most common causes of ischaemic stroke. Since varying ischemic intervals can be chosen freely in this model depending on the time point of reperfusion, ischaemic lesions with varying degrees of severity can be produced. Reperfusion by removal of the occluding filament at least partially models the restoration of blood flow after spontaneous or therapeutic (tPA) lysis of a thromboembolic clot in humans.
In this video we will present the basic technique as well as the major pitfalls and confounders which may limit the predictive value of this model.

Filamentous occlusion of the Middle cerebral artery is a common model for studying ischemic stroke in mice.

Stroke is among the most frequent causes of death and adult disability, especially in highly developed countries. However, treatment options to date are ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to produce a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia by blocking the middle cerebral artery with an intraluminal thread. This is accomplished by making a midline neck incision and visualizing the common carotid artery. The next step is to tie ligatures around the common carotid artery and the external carotid artery clamps are used to keep them in place and to prevent bleeding.The final step of the procedure is to introduce the filament into the circle of Willis. This blocks the branch of the middle cerebral artery, ultimately, neurological deficits. As a result of this, occlusion can be identified through observing changes in behavior.One of the main advantages of proximal MCA occlusion via the filament technique is that it offers highly reproducible lesions in the stratum and in the cortex. Ischemia can be applied permanently and transiently, and furthermore, as it does not require craniectomy filamentous, MCA occlusion can be considered as more or less non-invasive. Generally individuals new to this method with struggling because of the delicate nature of microsurgical techniques Prior to the procedure, prepare the filament by cutting an 8.0 nylon filament into 11 millimeter lengths under the microscope.The filament tip must be coated completely and evenly over a length of eight millimeters with a silicon mixture, the use of standard operating procedures is recommended for optimal results. The type of mouse used depends on the goal of the study. Generally, mice should be older than 10 weeks.Use appropriate anesthetic agents in consult with veterinary staff. Body temperature of the mice is maintained at around 36.5 degrees Celsius during surgery with a heating plate, prepare the surgical site, disinfect the skin and the surrounding fur, and allow it to dry. Make a midline incision along the neck and gently pull the soft tissues apart.The left common carotid artery is carefully dissected, free from the surrounding nerves without harming the vagus nerve, and a ligature is made using a 5.0 to 7.0 suture. Next, isolate the left external carotid artery and tie a second knot. After isolating the left internal carotid artery loosely tie a knot around it.Using a 6.0 filament, the knot will be tightened later in the procedure. After obtaining a good view of the left internal carotid artery and the left tego palatine artery, both arteries, EC clipped to prepare for filament insertion. A small hole is cut in the common carotid artery before it bifurcates.The monofilament prepared earlier is then introduced into the artery. The clipped arteries are opened while the filament is inserted into the internal carotid artery. To occlude the middle cerebral artery, the third knot on the internal carotid artery is closed.To fix the filament in position, then apply lidocaine gel topically to the wound for pain relief. For sham operations, the filament is inserted and withdrawn immediately to allow instant reperfusion and immediately withdrawn to allow instant reperfusion administer 0.5 milliliters of saline subcutaneously as volume replenishment. To study the effects of reperfusion, open the third knot and remove the filament.A set time period after ischemia, usually after 30 to 60 minutes. In this example, reperfusion is allowed 60 minutes after occlusion illusion, administer a second volume replenishing injection of saline. Finally shorten the remaining sutures and close the skin with a surgical suture.Place the animals into a heated cage for two hours to recover after surgery, check the animals daily for signs of discomfort. Post-surgery, weight loss may occur, and mice should be provided with mashed food placed in a Petri dish on the floor. To encourage eating.The food is replaced daily for seven days. The duration of blood flow restriction can lead to differences in motor and behavioral deficits. After 30 or 60 minutes of cerebral ischemia, most animals show decreased resistance.S later push and circling due to a disturbance in locomotion, milder lesions manifest as a flexor position in the front limbs. These easily observable signs can be used as a basic score for the success of the operation. The resulting lesion can be assessed using either histology or magnetic resonance imaging.As seen here, a 60 minute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery produces tissue pan necrosis in an area including both the striatum and the, whereas 30 minutes of ischemia causes mainly neuronal cell death, limited to the stri aum. Well-trained MCAO surgeons can master this technique in 10 minutes. While attempting This procedure, it's important to remember to follow standard operating procedures to ensure reproducible results and to control confounders.

modeling-stroke-mice-middle-cerebral-artery-occlusion-with-filament

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

We demonstrate in the video a method for producing a middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult mice using an intraluminal monofilament. We also show how to evaluate the extent of cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining.

Mouse Model of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

The intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is the most frequent used model among experimental ischemic stroke models. Here we will demonstrate the entire model in detail with the guide of Laser Doppler flowmetry, and its representative results.

Intraluminal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) Model for Ischemic Stroke with Laser Doppler Flowmetry Guidance in Mice

This video describes the procedure to develop transient stroke in a murine model using silicon-coated filament-based occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The developed model mimics human stroke, thus helping to investigate novel therapeutic strategies for treating stroke.

Filament Insertion-based Transient Stroke Model: A Surgical Procedure to Perform Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Murine Brain

Various murine models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) are widely used in experimental brain research. Here, we demonstrate the model of transcranial permanent distal MCAO which produces consistent cortical infarction of a size corresponding to damage imposed by the majority of human ischemic strokes.

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

In order to understand the pathophysiology of stroke, it is important to use reliable models. This paper will describe one of the most frequently used stroke models in mice, termed the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) model (also termed the intraluminal filament or suture model) with reperfusion.

Surgical Approach for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion Induced Stroke in Mice

Stroke is a global issue with minimal treatment options and no current clinical therapy for regenerating the lost brain tissue. Here we describe methods for creating precise photothrombotic stroke in the motor cortex of rodents and subsequent injection of hydrogel biomaterials to study their effects on tissue regeneration after stroke.

Injection of Hydrogel Biomaterial Scaffolds to The Brain After Stroke

Different models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) are used in experimental stroke research. Here, an experimental stroke model of transient MCAo via the external carotid artery (ECA) is described, which aims to mimic human stroke, in which the cerebrovascular thrombus is removed due to spontaneous clot lysis or therapy.

Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery

This protocol demonstrates a unique mouse stroke model with a medium-sized infarct and an excellent survival rate. This model allows preclinical stroke researchers to extend the ischemia duration, use aged mice, and assess long-term functional outcomes.

A Modified Transcranial Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model to Study Stroke Outcomes in Aged Mice

This protocol describes the model of transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice through intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Additionally, examples of outcome assessment are shown using magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral tests.

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke

This protocol describes the process of preparing for middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion via the common carotid artery.

A Modified Model Preparation for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Reperfusion

Learn the filament technique for middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice to model ischemic stroke. This method enables reproducible lesions and behavioral assessment of neurological deficits.

Modeling Stroke in Mice - Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with the Filament Model

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