A major possibility for inducing ischemic stroke is occlusion of the more terminal vessels supplying the brain, and transcranial occlusion is a reliable option. A craniectomy requires opening the skull and incising the dura mater to directly block the proximal cerebral arteries. There are two main methods to build the model, including occlusion of the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) alone by direct electrocoagulation, ligation, transection, and photothrombosis, and combined occlusion of the MCA and bilateral common carotid artery (three-vessel occlusion model, 3-VO model) or ipsilateral common carotid artery. This technique allows for both permanent and temporary occlusion, depending on the duration of the occlusion.
Fig. 1. Induction of acute ischemic stroke in mice using the distal middle artery occlusion technique. (Leng et al., 2023)
Ace Therapeutics is a leading company specializing in stroke science, providing customizable the permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model by transcranial electrocoagulation in animals for ischemic stroke research. Our team of highly skilled experts with extensive industry experience combines extensive neuroscience knowledge with cutting-edge technology to provide superior support for preclinical stroke research.
Our transcranial occlusion modeling uses electrocoagulation to occlude the MCA, resulting in permanent occlusion. Electrocoagulation is a craniotomy that exposes the middle cerebral artery and cauterizes the corresponding area of the middle cerebral artery with an electrode, blocking the blood vessel and causing cortical or subcortical infarction in the area of the middle cerebral artery's blood supply. Our experts have modified the traditional electrocoagulation approach to create a more stable and reproducible mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia.
We offer multiple measures to analyze stroke outcomes, such as laser scatter measurements, magnetic resonance imaging, behavioral testing, or histological analysis. In this model, we can perform infarct volume measurements using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC)-stained serial coronal brain sections 7 days after stroke induction. In addition, we can assess behavioral deficits after MCA coagulation by analyzing the anterior claw using an asymmetric cylindrical test.
At Ace Therapeutics, our customizable permanent distal MCAO model by transcranial electrocoagulation provides a more comprehensive approach for your preclinical ischemic stroke research. Need to know more? Contact us and let one of our experts provide you with all the answers you need.
We are committed to accelerating progress in stroke research and drug development.