Experimental models: help or hindrance.

Although many potential therapeutics have improved motor and cognitive function in animal models of experimental stroke, very few have been found to have similar beneficial effects in clinical trials. In this review, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of the currently available rodent models in the development of cellular therapies for stroke and how they have been applied. The lack of translation between the animal work and clinical benefits is not because the animal models are not useful. If the recommendations of the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable are followed, then the studies will produce more clinically relevant information about potential new cell therapies. However, it will also be necessary to design clinical trials in a manner consistent with the preclinical study results.