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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke
Published on: August 11, 2023
Transient decrease in cerebral motor pathway fractional anisotropy after focal ischemic stroke in monkey
Yo Chin1, Yuki Sato, Mitsuhito Mase
1Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan.
Abstract:
In this study, diffusion tensor MRI was used to examine the restoration of the cerebral white matter of macaque monkeys after unilateral cerebral multiple microinfarctions. Post-stroke, the monkeys showed deficits in several neurological functions, including motor functions, but most of the deficits resolved within 6 weeks. Very interestingly, the fractional anisotropy (a value determined by diffusion tensor MRI), of the monkeys' affected motor pathways dropped transiently, indicating a damage in the neural tracts. However, it returned to normal levels within 6 weeks after the stroke, concomitant with the gradual recovery of motor functions at subacute phase.
Insights
Diffusion tensor imaging revealed transient damage to white matter tracts after stroke in monkeys. Motor function recovery correlated with the restoration of white matter integrity within six weeks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Primate models
Background:
- Cerebral microinfarctions can lead to significant neurological deficits.
- Understanding white matter recovery post-stroke is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter restoration in macaque monkeys following induced cerebral microinfarctions.
- To correlate microstructural changes in white matter with functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) was employed.
- Unilateral cerebral microinfarctions were induced in macaque monkeys.
- Neurological functions, particularly motor skills, were assessed.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) values in affected motor pathways were measured.
Main Results:
- Monkeys exhibited transient neurological and motor function deficits post-stroke.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) in affected motor pathways showed a transient decrease, indicating neural tract damage.
- Most neurological deficits resolved within 6 weeks.
- FA values returned to normal levels within 6 weeks, coinciding with motor function recovery.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DT-MRI) can detect transient white matter damage after stroke.
- White matter integrity in motor pathways shows significant restoration during the subacute phase post-stroke.
- The study highlights the brain's capacity for recovery and the utility of DT-MRI in monitoring this process.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

