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Published on: January 17, 2013
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Modified Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture Rat Model with Angiographic Imaging
William Wei-Lin Pan1,2, Masahiko Itani3,4, Kostadin Karagiozov1
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
Translational Stroke Research
|July 16, 2025
Summary
This study presents an improved rat model for intracranial aneurysms (IAs), achieving high formation and rupture rates. Digital subtraction angiography visualizes key features, enhancing research into IA development and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Animal Models of Disease
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a significant cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), leading to high morbidity and mortality.
- Existing rodent models for IAs often suffer from low rupture rates and inadequate imaging, limiting their clinical relevance.
- Translational research requires robust models that accurately mimic human IA development and rupture dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a modified elastase-based rat model for inducing intracranial aneurysms (IAs).
- To incorporate advanced angiographic imaging for real-time monitoring of IA formation and rupture.
- To establish a reliable preclinical tool for investigating IA pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Induction of IAs in female Sprague-Dawley rats via surgical and pharmacological interventions, including elastase injection into the basal cistern.
- Utilization of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for assessing aneurysm formation, rupture rate, and vascular morphology.
- Histological and immunohistochemical analyses to characterize aneurysm wall structure and inflammatory cell infiltration.
Main Results:
- The modified model demonstrated a high incidence of IA formation (85%) and rupture (60%) within 28 days.
- DSA successfully visualized vessel tortuosity and hemodynamic flow patterns, mirroring features of human IA development.
- Histological findings revealed structural degradation of the aneurysm wall, with immunohistochemistry indicating neutrophil infiltration, suggesting an inflammatory role.
Conclusions:
- This enhanced elastase-based rat model provides a reliable method for inducing and visualizing IAs with a high rupture rate.
- The integration of DSA offers real-time monitoring capabilities, crucial for understanding IA progression and rupture mechanisms.
- This improved model serves as a valuable preclinical tool for advancing research into the pathophysiology and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
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