Middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rabbit using selective angiography: application for assessment of thrombolysis.
OBJECTIVE
An animal model of selective middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is needed for evaluation of intra-arterial (IA) delivery of thrombolytic agents. We describe a technique for MCA thrombo-occlusion in the rabbit with real-time angiographic documentation of occlusion and thrombolytic recanalization.


METHODS
After femoral artery cutdown, a microcatheter was advanced from the internal carotid artery to the MCA. MCA occlusion was achieved by IA thrombin and reperfusion by IA plasmin.


RESULTS
The terminal internal carotid artery was successfully catheterized in 12 of 13 animals. Stable (2-hour) MCA occlusion was induced and verified angiographically in all 12 animals; 2 animals also had distal internal carotid artery thrombus. Recanalization was achieved rapidly after IA plasmin in 3 of 3 animals.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a new animal model of selective MCA occlusion documented by real-time angiography and used to demonstrate recanalization with IA plasmin.
Jahan
Reza
R
Stewart
Daphne
D
Vinters
Harry V
HV
Yong
William
W
Vinuela
Fernando
F
Vandeberg
Pete
P
Marder
Victor J
VJ
D000818:Animals; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005341:Fibrinolysin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011817:Rabbits; D013917:Thrombin; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013917:Thrombin; D005341:Fibrinolysin