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[The model of stroke induced by microsphere embolism in rats]
1Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Japan.
Abstract:
Cerebral infarction is induced by injecting 700-900 microspheres with a diameter of 50 microm into the right internal carotid artery of the rat. Approximately 82% of the rats with typical symptoms of stroke survived at fifteen hours after the injection of microspheres. Microsphere-induced cerebral embolism elicits the widespread formation of small emboli in the ipsilateral hemisphere and subsequent neuronal loss and/or the development of multiple infarct areas in the brain, particularly in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Thus, this model is considered to mimic focal ischemia-induced human stroke or multi-infarct dementia. We have found that this model showed sustained decreases in cerebral blood flow and cerebral high-energy phosphates; accumulation of tissue lactate, glucose, and glycogen; changes in the activity of several enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle; loss of mitochondrial phosphorylation activity; and decreases in neurotransmitters, acetylcholine, monoamines, and amino acids in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Accordingly, microsphere embolism is capable of inducing severe and sustained cerebral ischemia resulting in disturbances of the energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain. Such ischemic damage leads to learning and memory dysfunction. This model provides useful information about the pathogenesis, prophylaxis, and therapeutics of cerebral ischemic diseases.
Insights
This study details a rat model of cerebral infarction using microsphere embolism, effectively mimicking human stroke and multi-infarct dementia. The model reveals significant disruptions in brain metabolism and function, aiding research into ischemic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Ischemic Stroke Research
Context:
- Cerebral infarction is a leading cause of disability.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for understanding stroke pathogenesis.
- Existing models may not fully replicate the complexity of human ischemic events.
Purpose:
- To establish and characterize a rat model of cerebral infarction using microsphere embolism.
- To investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by microsphere-induced cerebral ischemia.
- To evaluate the utility of this model for studying stroke and multi-infarct dementia.
Summary:
- Microsphere embolism in the rat carotid artery successfully induced focal cerebral ischemia, mimicking human stroke.
- The model demonstrated widespread emboli, neuronal loss, and multiple infarcts in key brain regions.
- Biochemical analyses revealed sustained decreases in cerebral blood flow, energy phosphates, and neurotransmitters, alongside metabolic disturbances.
Impact:
- This model provides a robust platform for investigating the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic diseases.
- It offers valuable insights into learning and memory dysfunction following ischemic damage.
- The model supports research into prophylaxis and therapeutic strategies for stroke and multi-infarct dementia.