Designing Studies for Stroke and Ischemia
There are a number of well-characterized, ischemic stroke models used to study ischemic stroke injury and mechanisms of cell damage. Focal ischemia (MCAo) models are used to mimic human stroke, however the global ischemia (4VO) model is highly relevant in clinical conditions, such as cardiac arrest. Our stroke models can also be used as a platform for studying effects of therapies on neurodegenerative disorders.
Models for Stroke Pathophysiology
A description of ischemic models offered, the area of expected damage, and the relevant cognitive/behavior tests.
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MCAo - Focal Ischemia
The focal cerebral ischemic model (MCAO) of stroke is commonly used to assess ischemic injury in the brain. Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery leads to a reduction of cerebral blood flow in both the striatum and the cortex, but the degree largely depends on the duration and site of occlusion. It is a highly reproducible model that results in focal brain damages similar to those occurring in human stroke. Model options include permanent occlusion, which produces massive damage, or transient occlusion where the artery is occluded for a period of time before reperfusion.
Ischemic MCAo models for stroke:
Occlusion: Permanent Transient Expected Area of Damage: Cortex Striatum/Globus Pallidus, Thalamic Nucleus, Hippocampus Mainly Cortex Cognitive/Behavior Tests: Spatial memory, contralateral motor function and coordination (Staircase, Adhesion removal test, water maze, grip test) Contralateral motor function and coordination (Staircase, adhesion removal test, grip test) Histology Assessment: Thionine/H&E/TTC for infarct size & assessment Thionine/H&E/TTC for infarct size & assessment Thionine Staining of Coronal Sections of Rat Brain Tissue
Figures A & C. Normal Rat Brain Tissue. Figures B. & D. Rat brain 72 hours post-MCAo, demonstrating clear damage due to infarct in the right hemisphere.
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4VO - Global Ischemia
The Global Ischemia model involves permanent occlusion of vertebral arteries and transient occlusion of carotid arteries. Brain injury in the hippocampus is caused by lack of cerebral blood flow. This model mimics cardiac arrest and coronary bypass surgery.
The 4VO model can be used to evaluate lack of blood flow to the brain, as found in cardiac arrest and coronary bypass surgery. It is also used to evaluate neurodegeneration, dementia and oxygen stress.
Options:
- Permanent 4VO
- Transient 4VO
Common Assessments:
- Histology
- Water maze
- Grip Test
Example Data:
Rats were given 8 trials to find the platform in the water maze test. Sham vs vehicle and test treated groups were evaluated. The animals that received the test item were able to find the platform in the water maze test in a similar fashion to sham animals. The vehicle treated animals were unable to find the platform after 8 trials.

Scientific Data
Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) data can be collected to monitor cerebral blood flow (CBF) during surgery. Figure: Blood flow was recorded with LDF at baseline and at occlusion commencement. Blood flow reduces at occlusion and increases to baseline levels after reperfusion, indicating that the surgery was successful.

Review the complete dataset for ischemia models.
Ischemia Models Datasheet
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