Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Combined Near-infrared Fluorescent Imaging and Micro-computed Tomography for Directly Visualizing Cerebral Thromboemboli
Published on: September 25, 2016
Thrombotic distal middle cerebral artery occlusion produced by topical FeCl(3) application: a novel model suitable
Hulya Karatas1, Sefik Evren Erdener, Yasemin Gursoy-Ozdemir
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Intravital or multiphoton microscopy and laser-speckle imaging have become popular because they allow live monitoring of several processes during cerebral ischemia. Available rodent models have limitations for these experiments; e.g., filament occlusion of the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) is difficult to perform under a microscope, whereas distal occlusion methods may damage the MCA and the peri-arterial cortex. We found that placement of a 10% FeCl(3)-soaked filter paper strip (0.3 × 1 mm(2)) on the duramater over the trunk of the distal MCA through a cranial window for 3 minutes induced intraarterial thrombus without damaging the peri-arterial cortex in the mouse. This caused a rapid regional cerebral blood flow decrease within 10 minutes and total occlusion of the MCA segment under the filter paper in 17±2 minutes, which resulted in a typical cortical infarct of 27±4 mm(3) at 24 hours and moderate sensorimotor deficits. There was no significant hemispheric swelling or hemorrhage or mortality at 24 hours. Reperfusion was obtained in half of the mice with tissue plasminogen activator, which allowed live monitoring of clot lysis along with restoration of tissue perfusion and MCA flow. In conclusion, this relatively simple and noninvasive stroke model is easy to perform under a microscope, making it suitable for live imaging and thrombolysis studies.
Insights
A novel, noninvasive mouse stroke model using ferric chloride (FeCl3) enables live imaging of cerebral ischemia. This method allows for microscopy-based monitoring of thrombus formation, reperfusion, and therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intravital microscopy and laser-speckle imaging are crucial for studying cerebral ischemia in real-time.
- Existing rodent stroke models have limitations, hindering microscopic observation and potentially causing tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, noninvasive mouse model of cerebral ischemia suitable for live imaging.
- To enable microscopic monitoring of thrombus formation, blood flow changes, and therapeutic interventions in stroke.
Main Methods:
- A ferric chloride (FeCl3)-soaked filter paper strip was applied to the dura mater over the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice.
- Cranial window preparation allowed for direct microscopic visualization.
- Cerebral blood flow, MCA occlusion, infarct volume, and sensorimotor deficits were assessed.
Main Results:
- The FeCl3 method induced intraarterial thrombus without cortical damage, leading to rapid regional cerebral blood flow reduction.
- Complete MCA occlusion occurred within 17±2 minutes, resulting in a cortical infarct of 27±4 mm³ and moderate sensorimotor deficits.
- Reperfusion was achieved in 50% of mice using tissue plasminogen activator, allowing live monitoring of clot lysis and flow restoration.
Conclusions:
- This FeCl3-induced stroke model is simple, noninvasive, and well-suited for microscopic live imaging studies of cerebral ischemia.
- The model facilitates real-time observation of thrombolysis and reperfusion dynamics, advancing stroke research.
