Manual of Stroke Models in Rats

Book excerpt: During the last few years, exciting new insights into mechanisms and treatment of stroke have been obtained from animal experiments. Hence, the use of animal models to induce stroke are of paramount importance as research tools. While a few articles on this topic have been published in select journals, until now there has not been a systematic technical book available which assists researchers in building upon commonly known knowledge. The Manual of Stroke Models in Rats explains in great detail the methods and techniques for accomplishing different stroke models in rats, as well as some techniques using mice. Expert contributors to this text include the most recent research information available, as well as generally recognized facts, making this volume an imperative tool for those researchers seeking to identify new areas of exploration. The first text in 20 years to detail new techniques in rat stroke models The book begins with a statistical update of stroke in America, and proceeds to discuss the rationale for using ischemic stroke models. Major sections include different surgical models of stroke induced by the occlusion of the distal middle cerebral artery, by intraluminal filament or embolic implantation, by photochemically induced thrombosis, global cerebral ischemia induced by asphyxia cardiac arrest or by four-vessel occlusion, and brain hemorrhage. The book also includes anesthesia procedures, general principles of microsurgery, and a study of microsurgical instruments. Numerous tables, figures, and color images are used to supplement the material. The editor, Dr. Yanlin Wang-Fischer, has published more than 40 scientific articles in various medical journals and contributed to several projects related to animal models and surgeries. In this volume, she brings together contributors who represent the cutting edge of research in the field. By reviewing the methods in this detailed technical treatise, researchers will be armed with the latest strategies in preparing their own experimental stroke models.