Focal ischemia models: Middle cerebral artery occlusion induced by electrocoagulation, occluding devices, and endothelin-1

Abstract

This chapter covers established rodent models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) where ischemia is induced by electrocoagulation of the artery, occluding devices applied to the artery, or application of the peptide endothelin-1 to the artery to induce vasospasm. Electrocoagulation induces a permanent occlusion of the artery, but the other models can be modified to induce permanent or transient MCAO. All of the models involve some degree of cranial surgery, so the importance of aseptic technique is highlighted as is the importance of monitoring and maintaining the animals’ physiology under anesthesia. Mortality rates are generally low in models which require a craniectomy. Since these models are used for both short- and long-term survival studies, some details of postoperative care are also included.