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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery
Published on: May 24, 2021
A novel Microtus fortis MCAO model for ischemic stroke: surgical validation and transcriptomic insights
Chengji Wang1, Hainan Yang2, Hui Ye2
1Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center Shanghai 201203, China.
Objectives:
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Rodent models, particularly mice and rats, are widely used to investigate its underlying mechanisms. The Microtus fortis (reed vole) represents a promising alternative animal model due to its anatomical similarity to mice and cost-effectiveness; however, a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in this species has not yet been well characterized.
Methods:
We established an MCAO model in Microtus fortis. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements were used to evaluate model establishment. In addition, transcriptomic sequencing was performed on brain tissue from Microtus fortis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Gene expression patterns were analyzed using correlation-based classification and functional enrichment analyses. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were further validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR).
Results:
The model demonstrated a significant reduction in CBF (58.86%, P < 0.001) and clear neurological deficits. A total of 1,707 DEGs were identified, including 1,379 upregulated and 328 downregulated genes, which were primarily enriched in immune and inflammatory pathways. Key genes (CCL4, LIF, IL6, and OSM [upregulated]; LOC126493158 and LOC126489791 [downregulated]) were successfully validated.
Conclusion:
Microtus fortis represents a feasible MCAO model, offering both surgical practicality and cost advantages over traditional rodent models. This study provides foundational genomic and functional insights, supporting its potential application in translational stroke research.
Insights
The reed vole (Microtus fortis) offers a practical and cost-effective model for studying ischemic stroke via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). This research provides key genomic insights into stroke mechanisms in this promising new animal model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Biomedical Research
- Animal Models in Stroke Research
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major global health concern, leading to significant mortality and disability.
- Rodent models like mice and rats are crucial for IS research but can be costly.
- The reed vole (Microtus fortis) presents a potential alternative due to anatomical similarities and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in the reed vole (Microtus fortis).
- To investigate the genomic and functional changes following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in this species.
- To assess the feasibility of Microtus fortis as a cost-effective animal model for stroke research.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of an MCAO model in Microtus fortis.
- Evaluation of model efficacy using TTC staining, neurological deficit scoring, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements.
- Transcriptomic sequencing and differential gene expression analysis (DEGs) followed by qPCR validation.
Main Results:
- The MCAO model in Microtus fortis significantly reduced CBF by 58.86% and induced clear neurological deficits.
- A total of 1,707 differentially expressed genes were identified, predominantly involved in immune and inflammatory pathways.
- Key genes, including CCL4, LIF, IL6, and OSM, were validated as upregulated.
Conclusions:
- Microtus fortis provides a feasible and practical MCAO model with cost advantages over traditional rodent models.
- This study offers foundational genomic data, supporting the reed vole's potential in translational stroke research.
- The identified DEGs provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ischemic stroke in this species.
