A Novel Mouse Model for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon stroke cause with varied symptoms and outcomes.
• Existing research requires a relevant animal model to investigate CVST mechanisms and clinical features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel murine model for studying cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
• To evaluate injury patterns and clinical aspects of CVST in a reproducible experimental setting.

Main Methods:

• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) induced in C57BL/6J mice via autologous clot injection into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and jugular vein ligation.
• Monitoring of SSS occlusion and brain lesions using intravital microscopy, MRI, and immuno-histology on days 1 and 7 post-induction.
• Neurological sensory-motor function evaluated in CVST and sham-operated mice.

Main Results:

• Thrombin-induced clots led to reproducible SSS occlusion by day 1, with no significant early recanalization by day 7.
• Histological analysis revealed brain edema, fibrin-rich venular thrombosis, and ischemic/hemorrhagic lesions post-CVST.
• CVST mice exhibited significantly lower neurological scores compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• A novel, clinically relevant murine model for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was successfully established.
• The model demonstrates persistent SSS occlusion, leading to symptomatic ischemic and hemorrhagic brain lesions.
• This model offers a reliable platform for investigating CVST pathophysiology and testing new therapeutic strategies.