[Animal modeling] - Establishment of stable middle cerebral artery occlusion cerebral infarction model in rats

  Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using laser Doppler blood flow monitoring technology to make a stable middle cerebral artery occlusion cerebral infarction model in rats.

  Methods: Sixteen male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group with 8 rats each. In the experimental group, the cerebral blood flow decreased to 30% of the basic value during the model making process, and the model was judged as successful; The control group did not monitor the cerebral blood flow, and the nylon thread was inserted at a depth of 1.8 cm to determine that the model was successfully made. Modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were performed before and 24 hours after the model; The rats were killed 24 hours after the model, and the brain was taken, stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and the volume of cerebral infarction was calculated.

  Results: The eight rats in the experimental group had typical hemiplegia symptoms 24 hours after the model was established. The mNSS score was stable at 10 to 13 points, and the stability and uniformity of infarct volume were good, (37.5 ± 3.9)%. The stability of the mNSS score of 8 rats in the control group was poor, and the mNSS score of 5 rats was 10~13 points. The cerebral infarction focus of 5 rats was similar to that of the experimental group, but the cerebral infarction volume of 3 rats was significantly smaller than that of the experimental group (P<0.05). The model success rate of the experimental group was 100%, and that of the control group was 62.5% (P<0.05).

  Conclusion: Laser Doppler blood flow monitoring technology can significantly improve the success rate, stability and homogeneity of rat MCAO model.