Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo
Published on: December 19, 2025
Thrombotic stroke in the anesthetized monkey (Macaca mulatta): characterization by MRI--a pilot study
Maxime Gauberti1, Pauline Obiang, Pierre Guedin
1INSERM U919, Serine Proteases and Pathophysiology of the Neurovascular Unit, GIP Cyceron, Université de Caen-Basse Normandie, Caen, France.
Background:
The lack of a relevant stroke model in large nonhuman primates hinders the development of innovative diagnostic/therapeutic approaches concerned with this cerebrovascular disease. Our objective was to develop a novel and clinically relevant model of embolic stroke in the anesthetized monkey that incorporates readily available clinical imaging techniques and that would allow the possibility of drug delivery including strategies of reperfusion.
Methods:
Thrombin was injected into the lumen of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 12 anesthetized (sevoflurane) male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Sequential MRI studies (including angiography, FLAIR, PWI, DWI, and gadolinium-enhanced T1W imaging) were performed in a 3T clinical MRI. Physiological and biochemical parameters were monitored throughout the investigations.
Results:
Once standardized, the surgical procedure induced transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in all operated animals. All animals studied showed spontaneous reperfusion, which occurred some time between 2 h and 7 days post-ictus. Eighty percent of the studied animals showed diffusion/perfusion mismatch. The ischemic lesions at 24 h spared both superficial and profound territories of the MCA. Some animals presented hemorrhagic transformation at 7 days post-ictus.
Conclusion:
In this study, we developed a pre-clinically relevant model of embolic stroke in the anesthetized nonhuman primate.
Insights
Researchers developed a new embolic stroke model in nonhuman primates. This clinically relevant primate model aids in testing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cerebrovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Models
- Cerebrovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Lack of suitable large nonhuman primate stroke models impedes development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cerebrovascular disease.
- Need for a clinically relevant embolic stroke model in primates for advanced research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, clinically relevant model of embolic stroke in anesthetized nonhuman primates.
- To incorporate readily available clinical imaging techniques and enable drug delivery/reperfusion strategies.
Main Methods:
- Thrombin injection into the middle cerebral artery (MCA) of 12 anesthetized rhesus macaques.
- Sequential MRI studies including angiography, FLAIR, PWI, DWI, and gadolinium-enhanced T1W imaging at 3T.
- Monitoring of physiological and biochemical parameters throughout the investigation.
Main Results:
- Standardized procedure successfully induced transient MCA occlusion in all animals.
- Spontaneous reperfusion observed between 2 hours and 7 days post-ictus in all subjects.
- Eighty percent exhibited diffusion/perfusion mismatch; ischemic lesions spared MCA territories; some showed hemorrhagic transformation.
Conclusions:
- A pre-clinically relevant model of embolic stroke in anesthetized nonhuman primates was successfully developed.
- This model provides a valuable platform for advancing stroke research and therapeutic development.
