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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Modeling Stroke in Mice: Focal Cortical Lesions by Photothrombosis
Published on: May 6, 2021
The relationship between serial [(18) F]PBR06 PET imaging of microglial activation and motor function following
Frederick M Lartey1, G-One Ahn, Rehan Ali
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
Purpose:
Using [(18) F]PBR06 positron emission tomography (PET) to characterize the time course of stroke-associated neuroinflammation (SAN) in mice, to evaluate whether brain microglia influences motor function after stroke, and to demonstrate the use of [(18) F]PBR06 PET as a therapeutic assessment tool.
Procedures:
Stroke was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Balb/c mice (control, stroke, and stroke with poststroke minocycline treatment). [18 F]PBR06 PET/CT imaging, rotarod tests, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed 3, 11, and 22 days poststroke induction (PSI).
Results:
The stroke group exhibited significantly increased microglial activation, and impaired motor function. Peak microglial activation was 11 days PSI. There was a strong association between microglial activation, motor function, and microglial protein expression on IHC. Minocycline significantly reduced microglial activation and improved motor function by day 22 PSI.
Conclusion:
[18 F]PBR06 PET imaging noninvasively characterizes the time course of SAN, and shows increased microglial activation is associated with decreased motor function.
Insights
Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]PBR06 noninvasively tracks stroke-associated neuroinflammation in mice. This study found increased microglial activation correlates with impaired motor function, highlighting PET
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Stroke-associated neuroinflammation (SAN) plays a critical role in post-stroke recovery.
- Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, are key mediators of neuroinflammation.
- Noninvasive imaging tools are needed to monitor SAN and assess therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the temporal dynamics of SAN using [18F]PBR06 positron emission tomography (PET) in a mouse model.
- To investigate the relationship between microglial activation and motor function deficits after stroke.
- To evaluate [18F]PBR06 PET as a tool for assessing therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used to induce stroke in Balb/c mice.
- [18F]PBR06 PET/CT imaging, rotarod tests, and immunohistochemistry were performed at 3, 11, and 22 days poststroke.
- Mice received either no treatment or minocycline treatment poststroke.
Main Results:
- Stroke induced significant microglial activation and motor impairment, peaking at 11 days poststroke.
- A strong correlation was observed between microglial activation levels and motor function deficits.
- Minocycline treatment reduced microglial activation and improved motor function by day 22.
Conclusions:
- [18F]PBR06 PET imaging provides a noninvasive method to monitor the time course of SAN.
- Increased microglial activation is directly associated with decreased motor function following stroke.
- [18F]PBR06 PET can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating treatments targeting neuroinflammation.
