Abstract: ObjectiveTo introduce a rapid and stable rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods32 Wistar male rats were used to induce focal cerebral ischemia according to Longa's method. The main difference from Longa's was to introduce a nylon suture into the cervical internal carotid artery without ligation the pterygopalatine artery (PPA). Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), neurological deficit, brain water content, red tetrzolium (TTC) stain and pathology were evaluated in all rats.ResultsThe operation proceeded about 15 min after anaesthesia. Rats after operation presented severe neurological deficits companied with rCBF decreases. There were significant increases of brain water contents in ischemic brain regions. TTC staining showed infarct areas and histological examinations revealed remarkable astrocyte swelling and neuronal necrosis.ConclusionInducing rat MCAO without ligation of PPA could produce reliable ischemic changes,with the advantage of shortening operation time.

Key words: cerebral ischemia, animal model, pterygopalatine artery, middle cerebral artery, rat