Chapter 3 Animal models of ischemic stroke

Abstract

Publisher Summary Animal stroke models have played a unique role in understanding normal and ischemic brain metabolism and function. Sophisticated methods for the quantitative mapping of local cerebral blood flow, glucose utilization, and protein synthesis were developed and validated in rats. Rat is the commonly used species in experimental stroke studies and is one of the most suitable animals. The use of small animals for stroke research studies provides advantages of lower cost and greater acceptability from an ethical perspective compared to larger animals. In contrast, the disadvantage of using small animals is the lissencephalic morphology of their brains; whereas, large animals have gyrencephalic brains and considerable amount of neocortex like humans. Setting high standards for experimental studies will improve their relevance to human stroke and will help in the development of novel therapies for stroke. Scientists should be cautious not to over-interpret experimental data. The widespread use of novel technologies with stroke models has improved their utility. Many critical discoveries in the stroke field have stemmed from experimental models. Genetically manipulated animals have opened a new approach to stroke pathophysiology. This rapidly developing field holds great potential for improving stroke care, despite its already well recognized limitations.