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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Two-vessel Occlusion Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion
Published on: March 1, 2019
Temporal alterations in pericytes at the acute phase of ischemia/reperfusion in the mouse brain
Shuang Zhang1, Xue-Jing Liao1, Jia Wang2
1Beijing Key Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Pericytes, as the mural cells surrounding the microvasculature, play a critical role in the regulation of microcirculation; however, how these cells respond to ischemic stroke remains unclear. To determine the temporal alterations in pericytes after ischemia/reperfusion, we used the 1-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion model, which was examined at 2, 12, and 24 hours after reperfusion. Our results showed that in the reperfused regions, the cerebral blood flow decreased and the infarct volume increased with time. Furthermore, the pericytes in the infarct regions contracted and acted on the vascular endothelial cells within 24 hours after reperfusion. These effects may result in incomplete microcirculation reperfusion and a gradual worsening trend with time in the acute phase. These findings provide strong evidence for explaining the "no-reflow" phenomenon that occurs after recanalization in clinical practice.
Insights
Pericytes in the brain contract after ischemic stroke, worsening blood flow and infarct size. This explains the "no-reflow" phenomenon seen in stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Ischemic Stroke Research
Background:
- Pericytes are mural cells crucial for microcirculation regulation.
- The response of pericytes to ischemic stroke is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal changes in pericytes following ischemic stroke and reperfusion.
- To elucidate the role of pericytes in the
- no-reflow
- phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 1-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rodents.
- Examined pericyte behavior at 2, 12, and 24 hours post-reperfusion.
Main Results:
- Cerebral blood flow decreased, and infarct volume increased over time in reperfused regions.
- Pericytes in infarct regions contracted and affected vascular endothelial cells within 24 hours.
- Observed a worsening trend in microcirculation reperfusion over the acute phase.
Conclusions:
- Pericyte contraction contributes to incomplete microcirculation reperfusion after stroke.
- Pericyte dysfunction is a key factor in the
- no-reflow
- phenomenon.
- Findings offer insights into acute stroke pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.
