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Updated: May 21, 2026

Induction of Ischemic Stroke and Ischemia-reperfusion in Mice Using the Middle Artery Occlusion Technique and Visualization of Infarct Area
Published on: February 2, 2017
Stepwise targeted strategies for improving neurological function by inhibiting oxidative stress levels and
Yi Li1, Jun Liao2, Liyan Xiong3
1Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, or Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China.
Abstract:
Ischemia-reperfusion injury is caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation accompanied by ischemic injury symptoms and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. This causes neuronal damage, for which no effective treatments or drugs exist. Herein, we provided a stepwise targeted drug delivery strategy and successfully prepared multifunctional ORD@SHp@ANG nanoparticles (NPs) that consist of a stroke homing peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-SHp), BBB-targeting peptide (DSPE-PEG2000-ANG), and ROS-responsive Danshensu (salvianic acid A) chain self-assembly. ORD@SHp@ANG NPs effectively crossed the BBB by ANG peptide and selectively targeted the ischemic brain sites using stroke-homing peptide. The results showed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs can effective at scavenging ROS, and protect SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative damage in vitro. Furthermore, ORD@SHp@ANG NPs showed excellent biocompatibility. These NPs recognized brain endothelial cells and crossed the BBB, regulated the transformation of microglia into the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and inhibited the production of inflammatory factors in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model, thereby reducing cerebral infarction, neuronal apoptosis and preserving BBB integrity. Sequencing revealed that ORD@SHp@ANG NPs promote cell proliferation, activate immune responses, suppress inflammatory responses, and ameliorate ischemic stroke. In conclusion, this study reports a simple and promising drug delivery strategy for managing ischemic stroke.
Insights
New nanoparticles target the brain to treat ischemic stroke by reducing inflammation and protecting neurons. This drug delivery strategy shows promise for managing stroke and preventing further damage.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ischemia-reperfusion injury causes neuronal damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation, leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction.
- Current treatments for ischemic stroke are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Effective drug delivery across the BBB to target damaged brain regions remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional nanoparticle (ORD@SHp@ANG) for targeted drug delivery in ischemic stroke.
- To evaluate the ability of these nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier and target ischemic sites.
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of the nanoparticles in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal damage.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of multifunctional nanoparticles (ORD@SHp@ANG) incorporating stroke-homing and BBB-targeting peptides, and ROS-responsive components.
- In vitro assessment of ROS scavenging activity and protection of neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y) against oxidative damage.
- In vivo evaluation in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model to assess BBB crossing, anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of cerebral infarction, and neuronal apoptosis.
Main Results:
- ORD@SHp@ANG nanoparticles successfully crossed the BBB and selectively targeted ischemic brain areas.
- Nanoparticles demonstrated effective ROS scavenging in vitro and protected neuronal cells.
- In vivo studies showed reduced cerebral infarction, suppressed inflammation, preserved BBB integrity, and decreased neuronal apoptosis in a rat stroke model.
Conclusions:
- ORD@SHp@ANG nanoparticles represent a promising drug delivery system for ischemic stroke management.
- The strategy effectively targets the ischemic brain, scavenges ROS, and modulates neuroinflammation.
- This approach offers a potential therapeutic solution for reducing neuronal damage and improving outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

