RODENT MODELS OF FOCAL ISCHEMIA

Experimental models of focal ischemia have provided an unparalleled in sight into the dynamic events that surround ischemic brain injury. The dichotomous capacity of existing rodent models of focal ischemia to p rovide a controlled environment to examine the pathogenesis of focal i schemia and to allow assessment of the efficacy of potential therapeut ic intervention is reviewed. The established rodent model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (electrocoagulation) is critically e xamined and set against the distinctive features of novel methods that have been developed to reduce invasive surgery and to examine the pat hological consequences of reperfusing a previously ischemic area. Emph asis has been placed on the technical requirements of each model that affect outcome and reproducibility.