The IMPROVE Guidelines (Ischaemia Models: Procedural Refinements Of in Vivo Experiments).

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Rodent models, particularly middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), are crucial for studying ischaemic stroke.
• Current MCAO models offer a range of stroke severities but present opportunities for welfare improvement.
• Refining these models is essential for both ethical research and robust scientific findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and recommend strategies for improving animal welfare in existing in vivo ischaemic stroke models.
• To provide guidance on minimizing severity in rodent MCAO models without compromising scientific outcomes.
• To support researchers and animal care staff in refining experimental procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices in rodent MCAO models.
• Analysis of pre-surgery, anaesthesia, analgesia, and post-operative care protocols.
• Development of evidence-based recommendations for procedural refinement.

Main Results:

• Specific recommendations are provided for pre-operative requirements, anaesthetic/analgesic choices, and intra/post-operative care.
• The proposed refinements aim to sustain or enhance scientific validity while improving animal welfare.
• A summary poster is available to aid implementation of these recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Implementing refined procedures in rodent MCAO models can significantly improve animal welfare.
• Enhanced welfare practices can be integrated without negatively impacting, and potentially improving, scientific research outcomes.
• These recommendations offer a practical framework for ethical and effective ischaemic stroke research in animal models.