[Modeling of focal ischemia of the brain]

Methods of modeling and criteria of evaluating the pathological process in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as modern technologies of provoking the focal ischemia of the brain in experimental animals are under discussion. The results were analyzed comparatively from the viewpoint of efficiency and adequacy of certain models as well as of the clinical specificity of ischemic strikes in man and of set research goals. A literature analysis confirms that the existing arsenal of methodical schemes provides for choosing the most adequate model of focal ischemia of the brain and to ensure a cerebral infarction of a preset scope and localization; it makes possible also an objective evaluation of pathological processes occurring in the cerebral tissues both at the earliest stages of ischemic lesion and during a relatively long time period comparable with rehabilitation time period. Achievements in the sphere of experimental modeling of focal ischemia of the brain pave the way to further promotion of experimental therapy in acute stroke and open up new research priorities; it concerns primarily research of mechanisms timing the neurodegenerative process after ischemic stroke as well as searching-for and testing of means of stroke prevention and of patients' rehabilitation.