Early partial reperfusion in a new rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia

The influence of early partial reperfusion in a new rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia was investigated. Two groups, each of 30 adult male rats, were subjected to permanent occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. The former, (group A) had an additional permanent occlusion of both common carotid arteries; the latter (group B) had a temporary carotid occlusion lasting for two hours. Mortality rate, evaluated within three days, was 70% in group A and 20% in group B. The mean size of cerebral infarcts was 63% in group A whereas it was 21% in group B. These data suggest that, in this animal model, early partial reperfusion is effective in reducing the mortality rate, and the size of the cerebral infarcts. Furthermore, this experimental model appears suitable for studies elucidating the role of reperfusion and/or other efforts in focal cerebral ischaemia.