Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4331370 | Brain Research | 2007 | 13 Pages |
Abstract
The neocortical clip model of focal cerebral ischaemia has previously been used with success in neuroprotection studies. To further improve its translational qualities, we have characterised this model using a combination of serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), neurological assessment, the bilateral asymmetry test (BAT) and immunohistochemistry. The right MCA was occluded in spontaneously hypertensive rats for 0, 60 and 120Â min. MRI was performed pre-surgery, 1, 3 and 7Â days post-surgery. Behavioural assessment was performed 2Â days before and 3 and 7Â days post-surgery whilst neurological deficits were monitored daily. Neuroimaging results showed that 0Â min of MCA occlusion did not produce a lesion, whereas occlusion for 60Â min produced a lesion that remained stable over time. Occlusion for 120Â min caused a more severe lesion 1Â day post-surgery, but decreased by 7Â days. Behaviour, neurological scores and histological lesion volumes correlated strongly with MRI lesion volume. Immunohistochemistry revealed neuronal loss, astrogliosis and macrophage infiltration in lesioned cortices. The neocortical clip model produced ischaemic lesions that are restricted to cortical territories of the MCA. The duration of occlusion dictates lesion severity which may prove useful for probing therapeutic interventions at different stages of stroke progression. The correlation of MRI with two different behavioural measures and post-mortem histology strengthens the basis for MRI providing an in vivo surrogate marker for structural and behavioural deficits caused by a cortical stroke.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Neuroscience
Neuroscience (General)
Authors
Maria Ashioti, John S. Beech, Andrew S. Lowe, Mayke B. Hesselink, Michael Modo, Steve C.R. Williams,