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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery
Published on: May 24, 2021
Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery
Gemma Llovera1, Alba Simats2, Arthur Liesz3
1Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU Munich; Gemma.Llovera-Garcia@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Abstract:
Stroke is the third most common cause of mortality and the leading cause of acquired adult disability in developed countries. To date, therapeutic options are limited to a small proportion of stroke patients within the first hours after stroke. Novel therapeutic strategies are being extensively investigated, especially to prolong the therapeutic time window. These current investigations include the study of important pathophysiological pathways after stroke, such as post-stroke inflammation, angiogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and regeneration. Over the last decade, there has been increasing concern about the poor reproducibility of experimental results and scientific findings among independent research groups. To overcome the so-called "replication crisis", detailed standardized models for all procedures are urgently needed. As an effort within the "ImmunoStroke" research consortium (https://immunostroke.de/), a standardized mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) is proposed. This model allows the complete restoration of the blood flow upon removal of the filament, simulating the therapeutic or spontaneous clot lysis that occurs in a large proportion of human strokes. The surgical procedure of this "filament" stroke model and tools for its functional analysis are demonstrated in the accompanying video.
Insights
A standardized mouse model for transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) stroke is introduced to improve research reproducibility. This filament model simulates clot lysis, aiding in developing new stroke therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Translational Medicine
- Experimental Neurology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability globally.
- Current therapeutic options for stroke are time-limited, necessitating novel strategies.
- Poor reproducibility in experimental stroke research highlights the need for standardized models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a standardized filament mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo).
- To facilitate the study of pathophysiological pathways and therapeutic interventions in stroke.
- To address the "replication crisis" in stroke research by providing a reproducible model.
Main Methods:
- Development of a standardized surgical procedure for transient MCAo in mice using a filament.
- The model allows for complete restoration of blood flow after filament removal, mimicking clot lysis.
- Functional analysis tools are provided to assess outcomes in the MCAo model.
Main Results:
- The proposed MCAo model offers a standardized approach for stroke research.
- It enables the investigation of post-stroke inflammation, angiogenesis, and neuroplasticity.
- The model's design supports the evaluation of therapies aimed at prolonging the therapeutic window.
Conclusions:
- The standardized filament MCAo model is crucial for enhancing the reproducibility of stroke research.
- This model serves as a valuable tool for investigating novel therapeutic strategies.
- It contributes to the broader effort of overcoming the replication crisis in preclinical stroke studies.
