Background and Purpose –The refinement of experimental stroke models is of importance for further development of neuroprotective interventions. This study is aimed at the comparative analysis of the major parameters of cerebral ischemia using five rat models of middle cerebral artery (MCA) ligation. Methods – Before analyzing major models designated as Versions 1-5, evaluation of area at risk (AR) induced in different ways was performed in Wistar rats. The Versions themselves were: Version 1 - 40-min left MCA (LMCA) occlusion followed by reperfusion; Version 2 - permanent LMCA ligation; Version 3 - permanent ligation of both LMCA and left common carotid artery (LCCA); Version 4 - permanent LMCA and bilateral common carotid artery (bCCA) ligation; Version 5 - permanent LMCA ligation and 40-min bCCA occlusion. The infarct size (IS) was quantified using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Results - Within a relatively big AR, Versions 1 and 2 produced small IS (0.25 (0.04; 0.36) % and 0.33 (0.00; 0.72) %, respectively, P>0.05). Unlike that and now comparable with AR, Version 3 resulted in greater, albeit more variable IS (5.9 (2.1; 8.3) %, P<0.0001 vs. Version 2). Versions 4 and 5, again comparable with AR, yielded the greatest possible values of IS (14.5 (11.4; 17.9) % and 11.3 (10.1; 14.2) %, respectively); this parameter was most reproducible in Version 5. Conclusions – Comparative analysis of several versions of focal cerebral ischemia within a single study might be helpful in better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and aftermath of stroke.
International Journal of Stroke. – 2012. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00947.x.