Animal model of stroke

Animal Model of Stroke

An animal model of stroke is a non-human animal that is used in research to study the mechanisms, effects, and potential treatments of stroke. These models are crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of stroke and for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Types of Animal Models

There are several types of animal models used to study stroke, each with its own advantages and limitations:

Ischemic Stroke Models

Ischemic stroke models are designed to mimic the most common type of stroke in humans, which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Common methods to induce ischemic stroke in animals include:

• Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO): This is one of the most widely used models, where the middle cerebral artery is occluded to induce ischemia in the brain.
• Photothrombotic stroke: This involves the use of a photosensitive dye and light to induce a localized stroke.
• Embolic stroke model: This model uses emboli to block cerebral arteries, simulating an embolic stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Models

Hemorrhagic stroke models are used to study strokes caused by bleeding in the brain. These models include:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: Induced by injecting blood or a blood-mimicking substance into the brain tissue.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Induced by injecting blood into the subarachnoid space.

Animal Species Used

Various animal species are used in stroke research, each offering different insights:

• Rodents: Rats and mice are the most commonly used due to their genetic similarities to humans and the availability of genetic manipulation techniques.
• Non-human primates: These models are closer to humans in terms of brain structure and function, but ethical and cost considerations limit their use.
• Rabbits, pigs, and sheep: Occasionally used for specific types of studies.

Applications of Animal Models

Animal models of stroke are used for:

• Pathophysiological studies: Understanding the biological processes that occur during and after a stroke.
• Drug development: Testing the efficacy and safety of new drugs and treatments.
• Rehabilitation research: Studying recovery processes and developing rehabilitation strategies.

Limitations

While animal models provide valuable insights, they have limitations:

• Species differences: Differences between animals and humans can affect the translatability of findings.
• Ethical concerns: The use of animals in research raises ethical issues that must be carefully considered.

Related Pages

• Stroke
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical research