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Published on: February 5, 2011
MRI Guiding of the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats Aimed to Improve Stroke Modeling
Ilya L Gubskiy1, Daria D Namestnikova2, Elvira A Cherkashova2
1Research Institute of Cerebrovascular Pathology and Stroke, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia. shtangakun@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats closely imitates ischemic stroke and is widely used. Existing instrumental methods provide a certain level of MCAO guidance, but monitoring of the MCA-occluding intraluminal filament position and possible complications can be improved. The goal of this study was to develop a MRI-based method of simultaneous control of the filament position, blood flow in the intracranial vessels, and hemorrhagic complications. Rats were subjected to either MRI-guided MCAO (group 1, n = 51) or MCAO without MRI control (group 2, n = 38). After operation, group 1 rats were transferred into a MRI scanner for the control of the filament position and possible complications. Ninety minutes after the onset of MCAO, the filament was removed in rats of both groups and MRI control of the infarct volume and hemorrhagic complications performed. High-resolution T1- and T2-weighted imaging performed immediately after filament insertion provided visualization of the filament position, blood flow in brain arteries, and complications related to inappropriate filament insertion. It permitted replacement of wrongly positioned filaments and exclusion of animals with complications from the experiment. MRI-based MCAO guiding provided real-time intra-operational monitoring of crucial parameters determining MCAO suitability for stroke modeling, including better assessment of the operation outcomes in individual animals and significant enhancement of the model success rate. The possibility of simultaneous visualization of the filament, blood flow in the arteries, brain tissue, and hemorrhagic complications is the principal advantage of the proposed method over other instrumental methods of MCAO quality control. Graphical Abstract MRI-guided middle cerebral artery occlusion technique permits intra-operational monitoring via direct non-invasive simultaneous visualization of the filament, blood flow in the arteries, brain tissue, and hemorrhagic complications. It provides better assessment of MCAO outcomes in individual animals and significant enhancement of MCAO success rate.
Insights
This study introduces MRI-guided middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, improving stroke model accuracy. The technique offers real-time monitoring of filament placement and complications, enhancing MCAO model success rates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Animal Models
Background:
- The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats is crucial for studying ischemic stroke.
- Current methods for guiding MCAO have limitations in monitoring filament position and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel MRI-based method for simultaneous control of filament position, intracranial blood flow, and hemorrhagic complications during MCAO in rats.
- To enhance the accuracy and success rate of the MCAO stroke model.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent either MRI-guided MCAO (n=51) or standard MCAO (n=38).
- High-resolution T1- and T2-weighted MRI was used for real-time intra-operational monitoring of filament position, blood flow, and complications.
- Post-MCAO MRI assessed infarct volume and hemorrhagic complications.
Main Results:
- MRI guidance allowed real-time visualization and adjustment of filament placement, preventing complications.
- The MRI-guided group showed improved assessment of operation outcomes and enhanced model success rates.
- Simultaneous visualization of filament, blood flow, brain tissue, and complications was achieved.
Conclusions:
- MRI-based MCAO guidance significantly improves the quality control and success rate of the rat MCAO stroke model.
- This non-invasive technique offers superior intra-operational monitoring compared to existing instrumental methods.
- The method facilitates better assessment of individual animal outcomes in stroke research.
