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Examination of sensorimotor performance following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
D Reglodi1, A Tamás, I Lengvári
1Neurohumoral Regulations Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Pécs, Hungary. dora.reglodi@aok.pte.hu
Abstract:
Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats is the most commonly used stroke model. Besides the infarct size, assessment of sensorimotor performance has become increasingly important in neuroprotective drug research. However, contradictions exist about procedures for testing functional outcome following MCAO. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a relatively simple set of neurological tests based on the most commonly used scoring systems, and to describe the functional recovery and correlation with the infarct size in rats sacrificed 2 or 14 days after permanent or transient MCAO. The smaller infarct size of rats with transient occlusion was reflected in the neurological scores only during the first 6h. By day 14, no recovery occurred in postural signs, lateral resistance and spontaneous activity, other signs showed different degrees of recovery. Correlation with the infarct size was found only on certain days in gait disturbance, placing reactions, daily body weight and spontaneous activity. According to our observations, the most commonly used sensorimotor tests provide a useful initial screening of functional deficits, but these tests most probably measure deficits caused by infarction of the core area. It is suggested that these tests should be completed by more refined tests when testing a neuroprotective drug which reduces the infarct size in penumbral areas.
Insights
Standard neurological tests in rat stroke models effectively screen core infarct deficits. However, for neuroprotective drugs targeting penumbral areas, more refined sensorimotor assessments are recommended for accurate functional outcome evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stroke Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is a common rat stroke model.
- Assessing sensorimotor function is crucial for neuroprotective drug development.
- Inconsistencies exist in functional outcome testing procedures post-MCAO.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate simple neurological tests for functional outcome after MCAO.
- Describe functional recovery and its correlation with infarct size.
- Assess recovery in rats 2 and 14 days post-permanent or transient MCAO.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard neurological scoring systems for sensorimotor assessment.
- Induce permanent and transient MCAO in rats.
- Sacrificed rats at 2 and 14 days post-occlusion for analysis.
Main Results:
- Transient MCAO showed improved neurological scores only within the first 6 hours.
- By day 14, significant deficits persisted in postural signs, lateral resistance, and spontaneous activity.
- Correlation between infarct size and neurological deficits varied across different tests and time points.
Conclusions:
- Commonly used sensorimotor tests are useful for initial screening of core infarct deficits.
- These tests may not adequately capture functional recovery influenced by neuroprotection in penumbral areas.
- Recommend supplementing standard tests with refined assessments for evaluating drugs targeting penumbral regions.