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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
[A rat middle cerebral artery thrombosis model for evaluation of thrombolytic and antithrombotic agents]
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to develope a rat model of cerebral artery thrombosis by adding FeCl3 to the surface of right middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 30 min. After 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week and 2 week, the extent of neurologic deficits of rats was evaluated and after 24 h and 48 h the size of cerebral infarction was measured. The results indicate that the features of neurologic deficits and infarction were similar to those of the rat focal cerebral ischemia model established by Tamura et al (1981). The nature of thrombus formed in our experiment is combined-thrombus. The antithrombotic effect of aspirin and the thrombolytic effect of urokinase were also examined. Aspirin (50 mg.kg-1) was given by duodenum 30 min before adding FeCl3 to the surface of the right MCA and urokinase (4000 U.kg-1, iv) was given 30 min after thrombosis. After operation, the behavior of rats were observed. The cerebral infarction was evaluated 24 h after thrombosis. The infarcted areas in the aspirin and the urokinase groups were reduced to 20% and 11% those of the control group, respectively. The neurologic deficits were also attenuated. These studies suggest that this rat model may be used for testing not only antithrombotic but also thrombolytic agents.
Insights
This study developed a rat model for cerebral artery thrombosis using FeCl3. The model effectively mimics ischemic stroke and demonstrates the efficacy of aspirin and urokinase in reducing infarction and neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Experimental Medicine
Context:
- Cerebral artery thrombosis is a critical cause of ischemic stroke.
- Developing reliable animal models is essential for studying stroke pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
Purpose:
- To establish a novel rat model of cerebral artery thrombosis using ferric chloride (FeCl3) induction.
- To characterize the neurological deficits and cerebral infarction in this model.
- To evaluate the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of aspirin and urokinase, respectively.
Summary:
- Ferric chloride (FeCl3) applied to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) induced thrombosis and focal cerebral ischemia in rats.
- Neurological deficits and infarct sizes were assessed at various time points, showing similarity to existing models.
- The model demonstrated reduced infarct size and attenuated neurological deficits following treatment with aspirin (antithrombotic) and urokinase (thrombolytic).
Impact:
- This validated rat model serves as a valuable tool for preclinical testing of both antithrombotic and thrombolytic agents.
- The findings support the utility of this model for advancing stroke research and drug development.
