Updated March 14th, 2023
Research Spotlight
Photothrombotic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Mice: A Novel Model of Ischemic Stroke
Cerebral stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Half of all ischemic strokes affect the middle cerebral artery (MCA), a large blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. In this framework, animal models provide an essential benchmark for preclinical research. Conti and colleagues developed in mice a novel model of stroke targeted to the MCA. Researchers demonstrated how this model recapitulates the main features of clinical human stroke such as extended lesion volume, severe motor impairment, and alterations of blood-brain barrier permeability in particular cerebral edema. This newly developed model has a high translational potential allowing investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying stroke.