Identification of Ischemic Regions in a Rat Model of Stroke
2009

Identifying Ischemic Regions in a Rat Stroke Model

Sample size: 75 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anke Popp, Nadine Jaenisch, Otto W. Frahm, Christiane Witte, Christoph Kleinschnitz

Primary Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany

Hypothesis

The study aims to evaluate regions differently impaired by focal ischemia in a rat model of stroke.

Conclusion

TTC and Nissl staining can effectively identify the infarct core, while MAP2, HSP72, and HSP27 are useful markers for identifying perilesional and remote affected areas.

Supporting Evidence

  • TTC staining reliably identifies the infarct core at 1 day after 30 min MCAO.
  • Nissl histology denotes the infarct core from 2 hours up to 30 days after MCAO.
  • MAP2, HSP72, and HSP27 are excellent markers for identifying affected neuronal and glial populations.
  • The extent and consistency of infarcts increase with prolonged occlusion of the MCA.

Takeaway

The researchers studied how different parts of the brain are affected by a stroke in rats, using special stains to see the damage over time.

Methodology

Wistar rats underwent transient or permanent MCAO, followed by various reperfusion times, with brain analysis using TTC, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the small sample size and specific strain of rats used.

Limitations

Individual variations in cerebrovascular anatomy may affect infarct size and consistency.

Participant Demographics

Male Wistar rats weighing 270–300 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004764

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