Animal models of stroke

Stroke is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality. Animal models are indispensable tools that can mimic stroke processes and can be used for investigating mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic regimens. As a heterogeneous disease with complex pathophysiology, mimicking all aspects of human stroke in one animal model is impossible. Each model has unique strengths and weaknesses. Models such as transient or permanent intraluminal thread occlusion middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models and thromboembolic models are the most commonly used in simulating human ischemic stroke. The endovascular filament occlusion model is characterized by easy manipulation and accurately controllable reperfusion and is suitable for studying the pathogenesis of focal ischemic stroke and reperfusion injury. Although the reproducibility of the embolic model is poor, it is more convenient for investigating thrombolysis. Rats are the most frequently used animal model for stroke. This review mainly outlines the stroke models of rats and discusses their strengths and shortcomings in detail.

Automated summary

Stroke is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality, and animal models are indispensable tools for investigating mechanisms and developing therapeutic regimens. It is impossible to mimic all aspects of human stroke in one animal model due to the complexities of the disease. Different stroke models have unique strengths and weaknesses, such as the endovascular filament occlusion model’s easy manipulation and controllable reperfusion, while the thromboembolic model is more convenient for investigating thrombolysis.