Experimental thromboembolic stroke in cynomolgus monkey

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cerebrovascular Research
• Primate Models

Background:

• Thromboembolic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
• Current experimental models often require invasive intracranial surgery.
• A non-surgical, reproducible model is needed for stroke research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel experimental model of thromboembolic stroke.
• To induce stroke by embolizing the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in non-human primates.
• To characterize the resulting neurological deficits and histopathological changes.

Main Methods:

• Autologous blood clots were delivered to the MCA via the internal carotid artery in male cynomolgus monkeys.
• Neurological deficit scores were assessed post-embolization.
• Cerebral infarcts were quantified using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining.
• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using positron emission tomography (PET).

Main Results:

• Embolization induced contralateral hemiplegia, hypotonia, and incoordination.
• Histopathology revealed lesions in the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and insular cortex.
• PET imaging showed maximal reduction of CBF in the affected MCA territory.

Conclusions:

• This non-surgical model effectively replicates key features of human thromboembolic stroke.
• The model demonstrates significant neurological dysfunction and localized brain damage.
• It provides a valuable tool for investigating stroke pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions.