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6. Bupivacaine.
7. Ketoprofen.
8. Xylocaine 2% jelly.
9. Lidocaine spray.
10. Artificial tears.
11. Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin or Polysporin).
3
Methods
This model was first reported by Longa et al. ( 27 ), and since then,
different variants have been reported ( 27-29 ). This model is
commonly named the thread model or the intraluminal suture
model. This procedure induces a permanent or transient proximal
occlusion of the MCA. Here, we describe the method to induce
transient MCA in the rat. This procedure can be applied to other
species such as mice ( 30, 31 ).
3.1 Model
of Intraluminal
Middle Cerebral Artery
Occlusion in the Rat
MCAO could be performed through the use of different filaments.
The most employed method consists in the use of a silicon-
rubber-coated, glue-coated, resin-coated or nail polish-coated
filament. Flame blunted filaments should be avoided as they result
in an exacerbated damage and hemorrhage. Uncoated filaments
would not procure constant and reproducible occlusion ( 44 ).
The optimal diameter of the filament, for a certain body weight
and strain of rat, should be determined in pilot experiments.
Usually, the optimal diameter for rats weighing from 280 to 320 g
is 0.380 mm ( 45 ). The length of the coated filament should also be
determined with the same procedure because if too long, it could
block the flow from other arteries, while a too short one would not
produce optimal MCA occlusion.
In Note 5, we explain how to prepare a thermofusible glue-
coated filament of 0.380 mm diameter and 2.5 mm length (Fig. 1 ).
These threads were used in numerous published papers from our
laboratory ( 40, 46-49 ). If you want to avoid this step you can also
purchase the occlusive filament. Some commercials produce
occluders available in different size and diameters.
3.1.1 Preparation
of the Occlusive Filament
The use of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is important since it
allows to confirm the success and the persistence of the MCA
occlusion.
Indicative cerebral blood flow (CBF) is measured in the terri-
tory supplied by the MCA of the right hemisphere. To this end:
3.1.2 Laser Doppler
Flowmetry Measurements
(Optional)
1. Position the head of the rat into a stereotaxic frame (David
Kopf Instruments).
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