Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: Innovative Techniques and Future Directions in Stroke Research
Published on: May 5, 2023
A Modified Transcranial Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model to Study Stroke Outcomes in Aged Mice
Huaxin Sheng1, Lihong Dang2, Xuan Li2
1Multidisciplinary Brain Protection Program, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center; huaxin.sheng@duke.edu.
Abstract:
In experimental stroke research, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with an intraluminal filament is widely used to model ischemic stroke in mice. The filament MCAO model typically exhibits a massive cerebral infarction in C57Bl/6 mice that sometimes includes brain tissue in the territory supplied by the posterior cerebral artery, which is largely due to a high incidence of posterior communicating artery atresia. This phenomenon is considered a major contributor to the high mortality rate observed in C57Bl/6 mice during long-term stroke recovery after filament MCAO. Thus, many chronic stroke studies exploit distal MCAO models. However, these models usually produce infarction only in the cortex area, and consequently, the assessment of post-stroke neurologic deficits could be a challenge. This study has established a modified transcranial MCAO model in which the MCA at the trunk is partially occluded either permanently or transiently via a small cranial window. Since the occlusion location is relatively proximal to the origin of the MCA, this model generates brain damage in both the cortex and striatum. Extensive characterization of this model has demonstrated an excellent long-term survival rate, even in aged mice, as well as readily detectable neurologic deficits. Therefore, the MCAO mouse model described here represents a valuable tool for experimental stroke research.
Insights
A modified mouse model for ischemic stroke (middle cerebral artery occlusion) offers improved survival rates and more reliable neurological deficit assessment. This new transcranial method is valuable for chronic stroke research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- The standard filament middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in mice often results in high mortality and variable infarction due to posterior communicating artery atresia.
- Distal MCAO models, while improving survival, typically cause cortical infarction only, complicating neurological deficit evaluation.
- Existing models present challenges for studying long-term stroke recovery and associated neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a modified transcranial MCAO mouse model.
- To create a model with higher survival rates and more robust neurological deficit assessment for chronic stroke research.
- To generate a reproducible ischemic stroke model affecting both cortex and striatum.
Main Methods:
- A modified transcranial MCAO technique was established, involving partial occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk.
- Occlusion was performed either permanently or transiently through a small cranial window.
- The model was extensively characterized in terms of infarction extent, survival rates, and neurological deficits.
Main Results:
- The modified transcranial MCAO model consistently produced brain damage in both the cortex and striatum.
- The model demonstrated an excellent long-term survival rate, including in aged mice.
- Readily detectable and consistent neurological deficits were observed in mice subjected to this MCAO model.
Conclusions:
- This modified transcranial MCAO mouse model provides a valuable tool for experimental stroke research.
- The model overcomes limitations of previous MCAO methods, offering better survival and deficit assessment for chronic stroke studies.
- It enables more comprehensive investigation of stroke pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions.
