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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Embolic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) for Ischemic Stroke with Homologous Blood Clots in Rats
Published on: September 17, 2014
Protective effects of methyl prednisolone and dimethyl sulfoxide in experimental middle cerebral artery embolectomy
Abstract:
Acute arterial embolism continues to be a major cause of stroke morbidity in children and young adults. Potential therapy modalities include medical management and/or cerebral revascularization. The canine middle cerebral artery (MCA) was embolized by means of a pliable cylinder, 8 mm long by 1.6 mm in diameter, via the internal carotid artery. Control and experimental embolectomies were performed 6 hours following embolization. The experimental animals were treated with either dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or methyl prednisolone. In the control animals, the average area of infarction in the brain was 1.45 cu cm. The animals treated with methyl prednisolone (2 mg/kg) or DMSO (2 gm/kg) showed no infarction of the brain, whereas methyl prednisolone (30 mg/kg) did not prevent infarction.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a low dose of methylprednisolone effectively prevented brain infarction in canine stroke models. Higher methylprednisolone doses were ineffective, indicating potential therapeutic benefits of DMSO and specific corticosteroid dosages for acute arterial embolism.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute arterial embolism is a significant cause of stroke in pediatric and young adult populations.
- Current treatment options include medical management and cerebral revascularization.
- Understanding effective interventions for embolic stroke is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylprednisolone in preventing cerebral infarction following experimental arterial embolism.
- To investigate the dose-dependent effect of methylprednisolone on infarction size.
- To assess the potential of pharmacological agents in managing acute embolic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Acute arterial embolism was induced in the canine middle cerebral artery (MCA) using a pliable cylinder.
- Embolectomies were performed 6 hours post-embolization in control and experimental groups.
- Experimental animals received either DMSO (2 gm/kg) or methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg).
Main Results:
- Control animals exhibited an average brain infarction area of 1.45 cu cm.
- Treatment with DMSO (2 gm/kg) or a low dose of methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg) resulted in no observable brain infarction.
- A higher dose of methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) did not prevent cerebral infarction.
Conclusions:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and low-dose methylprednisolone demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects against embolic stroke in a canine model.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for DMSO and specific methylprednisolone dosages in managing acute arterial embolism.
- Further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice for stroke treatment.
