Stroke and Ischemia Models

The focal cerebral ischemic model (MCAo) of stroke is a widely used model for assessing ischemic brain injury. By occluding the middle cerebral artery, this model reduces cerebral blood flow, affecting both the striatum and cortex, and mimicking focal brain damage observed in human stroke. Transient occlusion is where the artery is temporarily blocked before reperfusion while permanent occlusion causes extensive damage.

The global ischemia model involves the permanent occlusion of vertebral arteries and the transient occlusion of carotid arteries, leading to brain injury in the hippocampus due to reduced cerebral blood flow. This model mimics conditions such as cardiac arrest and coronary bypass surgery, and is used to evaluate the effects of reduced blood flow to the brain. It also helps assess neurodegeneration, dementia, and oxidative stress.