A microsurgical procedure for middle cerebral artery occlusion by intraluminal monofilament insertion technique in the rat: a special emphasis on the methodology
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Surgical Approach for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion Induced Stroke in Mice
Published on: October 20, 2016
Aslan Güzel1, Roland Rölz2, Guido Nikkhah3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bahcesehir University, MedicalPark Hospital, 27060 Sehit Kamil, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Introduction:
Although there are many experimental studies describing the methodology of the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in the literature, only limited data on these distinct anatomical structures and the details of the surgical procedure in a step by step manner. The aim of the present study simply is to examine the surgical anatomy of MCAO model and its modifications in the rat.
Materials And Methods:
Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used; 20 during the training phase and 20 for the main study. The monofilament sutures were prepared as described in the literature. All surgical steps of the study were performed under the operating microscope, including insertion of monofilament into middle cerebral artery through the internal carotid artery.
Results:
After an extensive training period, we lost two rats in four weeks. The effects of MCAO were confirmed by the evidence of severe motor deficit during the recovery period, and histopathological findings of infarction were proved in all 18 surviving rats.
Conclusion:
In this study, a microsurgical guideline of the MCAO model in the rat is provided with the detailed description of all steps of the intraluminal monofilament insertion method with related figures.
Insights
This study provides a detailed microsurgical guideline for the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, crucial for stroke research. The method ensures reliable induction of cerebral infarction and offers insights into surgical anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Surgical techniques
- Animal models
Background:
- Limited detailed step-by-step surgical anatomy for the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model exists.
- Existing literature lacks comprehensive procedural details for MCAO.
- This study addresses the need for a clear anatomical and procedural guide for MCAO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the surgical anatomy of the rat MCAO model.
- To provide a detailed, step-by-step microsurgical guideline for MCAO.
- To describe modifications of the MCAO model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 40 Sprague-Dawley rats (20 training, 20 main study).
- Employed the intraluminal monofilament insertion method via the internal carotid artery.
- All procedures were performed under an operating microscope.
Main Results:
- Successfully induced cerebral infarction in 18 of 20 rats in the main study group.
- Confirmed MCAO effects through severe motor deficits and histopathological infarction.
- Achieved a low mortality rate (2/20) after an extensive training period.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive microsurgical guideline for the rat MCAO model is presented.
- Detailed descriptions and figures of the intraluminal monofilament insertion method are provided.
- This guideline facilitates reproducible MCAO model creation for stroke research.
