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Updated: May 16, 2026
Photothrombotic Ischemia: A Minimally Invasive and Reproducible Photochemical Cortical Lesion Model for Mouse Stroke Studies
Published on: June 9, 2013
Impacts of perinatal induced photothrombotic stroke on sensorimotor performance in adult rats
T Brima1, A Mikulecká, J Otáhal
1Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
Insights
Perinatal ischemic stroke in rats impairs motor function and locomotion. The severity of motor deficits correlated with the extent of brain lesions, highlighting the impact of early-life stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cerebrovascular Research
Background:
- Perinatal ischemic stroke is a significant cause of infant disability, leading to motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits.
- Understanding the long-term consequences of early-life stroke is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of experimentally induced perinatal ischemic stroke on locomotion, behavior, and motor function in adult rats.
- To correlate the extent of brain lesions with functional deficits and morphological changes.
Main Methods:
- A photothrombotic stroke model was employed in rats at postnatal day 7, creating lesions of varying sizes.
- Locomotion was assessed using open field tests, and motor performance was evaluated with rotarod tests.
- Histological analysis was performed to quantify lesion size and assess morphological changes.
Main Results:
- Rats with induced stroke exhibited significantly poorer motor performance compared to control groups.
- A notable difference in motor performance was observed between rats with small and large lesions.
- Correlations were found between motor performance, lesion volume, and sensorimotor test durations.
Conclusions:
- Photothrombotic cerebral ischemic stroke induced during the early postnatal period significantly impacts functional performance in adulthood.
- The extent of the induced brain lesions directly correlates with the severity of motor and functional deficits.
- This study provides insights into the long-term effects of perinatal stroke on brain function and behavior.
Abstract:
Perinatal ischemic stroke is a leading cerebrovascular disorder occurring in infants around the time of birth associated with long term comorbidities including motor, cognitive and behavioral deficits. We sought to determine the impact of perinatal induced stroke on locomotion, behavior and motor function in rats. A photothrombotic model of ischemic stroke was used in rat at postnatal day 7. Presently, we induced two lesions of different extents, to assess the consequences of stroke on motor function, locomotion and possible correlations to morphological changes. Behavioral tests sensitive to sensorimotor changes were used; locomotion expressed as distance moved in the open field was monitored and histological changes were also assessed. Outcomes depicted two kinds of lesions of different shapes and sizes, relative to laser illumination. Motor performance of rats submitted to stroke was poor when compared to controls; a difference in motor performance was also noted between rats with small and large lesions. Correlations were observed between: motor performance and exposition time; volume ratio and exposition time; and in the rotarod between motor performance and volume ratio. Outcomes demonstrate that photothrombotic cerebral ischemic stroke induced in early postnatal period and tested in adulthood, indeed influenced functional performance governed by the affected brain regions.
