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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Immune Cells from the Ischemic Mouse Brain
Published on: February 12, 2016
Increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in mouse focal cerebral ischemia model
1Institute of Shanghai Immunology, Shanghai Second Medical University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China. my@Koala.shsmu.edu.cn
Objective:
To quantitatively measure the temporal profiles of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein in mouse brain after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
Methods:
Adult male CD-1 mice received 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hour(s) of permanent MCAO with an intraluminal suture technique. The degree and the extent of occlusion were determined using a laser Doppler flowmeter. ICAM-1 positive expression in ischemic regions was determined immunohistochemically and ICAM-1 protein was quantitatively measured using immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis.
Results:
After MCAO, surface cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the ischemic hemisphere decreased to 9%-15% of the baseline in each time point of 7 to 8 animals. There were no significant differences in CBF measurement during occlusion between groups. Immunohistochemistry showed that ICAM-1 positive microvascular endothelial cells were observed both in the ischemic core and in the perifocal region. There was a tendency for increasing expression of ICAM-1 positive microvascular endothelial cells from the ischemic core to the ischemic margin. Western blot analysis showed that ICAM-1 expression in the ischemic hemisphere began to increase 3 h after MCAO, peaked at 6 h to 12 h, and persisted to 72 h.
Conclusions:
ICAM-1 expression increases in mice with permanent MCAO because ICAM-1 can mediate leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and progression of leukocyte infiltration after permanent focal cerebral ischemia. ICAM-1 is one of the important factors participating in ischemic cerebral damage and pathogenesis of stroke.
Insights
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression significantly increases in mouse brains following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). This heightened ICAM-1 contributes to leukocyte infiltration and ischemic brain damage, highlighting its role in stroke pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Stroke, particularly focal cerebral ischemia, involves complex inflammatory processes.
- Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a critical role in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the temporal expression patterns of ICAM-1 protein in the mouse brain after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
Main Methods:
- Permanent MCAO was induced in adult male CD-1 mice, with samples collected at various time points (0-72 hours).
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry.
- Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were employed to quantify ICAM-1 expression in ischemic brain regions.
Main Results:
- CBF in the ischemic hemisphere was significantly reduced post-MCAO.
- ICAM-1 positive microvascular endothelial cells were detected in both ischemic core and perifocal areas, with expression increasing towards the ischemic margin.
- Western blot revealed a significant increase in ICAM-1 expression starting at 3 hours, peaking between 6-12 hours, and sustained up to 72 hours post-MCAO.
Conclusions:
- ICAM-1 expression escalates in the ischemic brain following permanent MCAO.
- Elevated ICAM-1 mediates leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and infiltration, contributing to ischemic cerebral damage.
- ICAM-1 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of focal cerebral ischemia and stroke.
