Chien-Fu Yeh1,2,3, Tung-Yueh Chuang4, Yu-Wen Hung5, Ming-Ying Lan2,3, Ching-Han Tsai4, Hao-Xiang Huang4, Yung-Yang Lin6,4,7,8,9. 1. Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 4. Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 5. Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, R.O.C. 6. Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. yylin@vghtpe.gov.tw. 7. Institute of Physiology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 8. Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 9. Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rodents is an essential animal model for research focusing on ischemic stroke. To date, several kinds of surgical methods for MCAO have been developed and the craniotomy method has the advantage of direct visualization of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). MCAO at a more proximal site produces better surgical results, but it is a more invasive technique. The aim of this study was to evolve the surgical technique for simulating ischemic cerebral cortex injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To approach proximal MCA with a less invasive procedure, a modified surgical technique for MCAO in rats was developed. Besides, rats receiving the modified and conventional method were compared with regard to infarct volume and by behavioral tests. RESULTS: Following craniotomy, we proposed that the inferior edge of the craniotomy should be enlarged with fine forceps. This modified surgical method induces larger infarct volume, significant behavioral impairment and can induce ischemic stroke. Additionally, it does not significantly increase the operation time, and has produced no obvious complications. CONCLUSION: This modified surgical technique may serve as a practical method for performing MCAO. Copyright
BACKGROUND/AIM: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rodents is an essential animal model for research focusing on ischemic stroke. To date, several kinds of surgical methods for MCAO have been developed and the craniotomy method has the advantage of direct visualization of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). MCAO at a more proximal site produces better surgical results, but it is a more invasive technique. The aim of this study was to evolve the surgical technique for simulating ischemic cerebral cortex injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To approach proximal MCA with a less invasive procedure, a modified surgical technique for MCAO in rats was developed. Besides, rats receiving the modified and conventional method were compared with regard to infarct volume and by behavioral tests. RESULTS: Following craniotomy, we proposed that the inferior edge of the craniotomy should be enlarged with fine forceps. This modified surgical method induces larger infarct volume, significant behavioral impairment and can induce ischemic stroke. Additionally, it does not significantly increase the operation time, and has produced no obvious complications. CONCLUSION: This modified surgical technique may serve as a practical method for performing MCAO. Copyright