Comparison of Large Animal Models for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Which Model to Use?
Aladdin Taha1,2, Joaquim Bobi1, Ruben Dammers3
1Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology (A.T., J.B., D.J.D., H.M.M.v.B.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Stroke
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Selecting the right large animal model is crucial for advancing acute ischemic stroke research. This review compares key features of models like dogs, swine, sheep, and nonhuman primates to aid researchers in choosing the best fit for their studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Translational Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Translational research for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has seen limited success, with few experimental treatments reaching clinical practice.
- Large gyrencephalic animal models are recommended to improve preclinical treatment selection for AIS.
- Existing models (dogs, swine, sheep, nonhuman primates) mimic human brain ischemia and reperfusion but have species-specific differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare key characteristics of large animal models for translational AIS research.
- To guide the selection of appropriate animal models based on specific research questions.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of anatomical, physiological, modeling, and implementation aspects.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on large gyrencephalic animal models for AIS.
- Analysis of species-specific cerebrovascular anatomy, physiology, and coagulation.
- Evaluation of ischemic stroke induction methods, infarct reproducibility, and outcome assessment.
- Consideration of ethical, logistical, and cost factors.
Main Results:
- Detailed comparison of canine, swine, ovine, and nonhuman primate models.
- Highlighting species-specific variations in cerebral vasculature, coagulation, and immune responses.
- Assessment of different vessel occlusion techniques and their impact on infarct size and reproducibility.
- Discussion of functional outcome measures and procedural complications.
Conclusions:
- The choice of large animal model significantly impacts the translatability of AIS research findings.
- Understanding species-specific characteristics is essential for designing robust preclinical studies.
- This review provides a framework for selecting optimal large animal models to advance AIS therapeutics.
