Medium- and long-term functional behavior evaluations in an experimental focal ischemic stroke mouse model

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a major cause of death and disability globally.
• Rodent models are crucial for investigating in vivo therapies for CVA-induced brain injury.
• Understanding the functional sequelae of CVA is essential for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the medium- and long-term effects of distal middle cerebral artery (DMCA) occlusion on motor, nociceptive, cognitive, and mood functions in mice.
• To evaluate the utility of the DMCA occlusion model for studying CVA-related functional deficits.
• To determine if DMCA occlusion impacts sensory processing, motor control, cognition, and emotional state.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL mice were subjected to DMCA occlusion or sham procedures (n=8 per group).
• Motor function was assessed using grip force, rotarod, and open field tests.
• Nociceptive thresholds were measured with von Frey and hot plate tests; cognitive function with inhibitory avoidance; and mood with tail suspension test.
• Evaluations were performed on days 7 and 28 post-occlusion.

Main Results:

• DMCA occlusion significantly reduced muscle strength and spontaneous locomotion at both medium and long terms (p < 0.05).
• Increased immobility in the tail suspension test indicated depressive-like behavior (p < 0.05).
• No significant changes were observed in nociceptive threshold or cognitive function (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• DMCA occlusion in mice leads to medium- and long-term motor impairments and mood alterations.
• The DMCA occlusion model effectively mimics certain functional deficits following stroke, excluding sensory and cognitive impairments.
• This model is suitable for studying therapeutic interventions targeting motor and mood dysfunctions after CVA.