Establishment of rat MCAO models
Focal cerebral ischemia was induced using the reversible filament
occlusion model as previously described (Longa et al.,
1989). In brief, animals were anesthetized with 10% chloral
hydrate (0.4 g/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)). The left external
carotid artery was carefully dissected through a median incision
in the neck. A piece of nylon suture, with a diameter
of 0.25 mm and one end rounded by heat into a ball with a
diameter of < 0.3 mm, was introduced into the transected
lumen of the external carotid artery and gently advanced
into the internal carotid artery to block the origin of the left
middle cerebral artery. The retracted soft tissues were then
replaced, the incision sutured, and the rats were returned to
their home cages. Body temperature was maintained at 37°C
with a heat lamp and heating pad during and after surgery,
until the rats regained consciousness.