The Mouse Stroke Unit Protocol with Standardized Neurological Scoring for Translational Mouse Stroke Studies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Translational Medicine
• Animal Models of Disease

Background:

• The filament model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (fMCAo) is a widely used mouse stroke model but has limitations in clinical relevance and outcome assessment.
• Existing neurological scoring methods in fMCAo models are often subjective and lack sensitivity for long-term deficit tracking.
• High acute mortality in current mouse stroke models hinders comprehensive study of stroke recovery and therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address limitations in current mouse stroke models by developing validated, video-guided protocols.
• To introduce the mouse Stroke Unit (mSU) protocol and a decision algorithm for improved clinical alignment.
• To enhance the accuracy and translational value of neurological and motor function assessments in stroke research.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of the mouse Stroke Unit (mSU) protocol with instructional videos.
• Introduction of a video-standardized focal Experimental Stroke Scale (fESS) for accurate neurological scoring.
• Utilized the Ladder-rung and Cylinder tests for quantitative, unbiased assessment of limb motor function post-stroke.

Main Results:

• The mSU protocol demonstrates translational efficacy, bridging the gap between clinical stroke care and preclinical models.
• The video-standardized fESS proved superior in detecting focal stroke deficits, capturing recovery, and maintaining sensitivity up to 6 months.
• The Ladder-rung and Cylinder tests objectively quantified and monitored forelimb and hindlimb motor deficits over the long term.

Conclusions:

• The integration of mSU, fESS, and quantitative motor tests provides a robust framework for clinically relevant stroke investigations.
• These validated protocols significantly improve the translational value of mouse stroke research.
• The developed methods offer enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, and long-term monitoring capabilities for preclinical stroke studies.