Clot embolic stroke in the vertebrobasilar system of rabbits: A transfemoral angiographic technique

Abstract

Previous animal models of thromboembolic stroke have focused upon the carotid artery system. An alternative approach utilizing the vertebrobasilar system in rabbits is presented here. Left vertebral artery catheterization was accomplished relatively simply in this model using transfemoral angiographic techniques. Twenty-four-hour-old clot emboli with calculated volumes in the range of 0.007-0.11 cc were delivered by this route and found to lodge at the juncture of the basilar tip and the Circle of Willis in 11 of 13 rabbits. Intra-arterial infusion of streptokinase in one animal resulted in angiographically complete clearing of clot. Certain technical advantages in this particular approach are discussed.

A new model of thromboembolic stroke in the posterior circulation of the rat

“…Finally, permanent coagulation or injection of foreign materials is not considered physiological, which makes it difficult to interpret pathophysiological findings. Pan and Wright (1987) were the first to successfully accomplish thromboembolism in rabbits after injection of blood clots into the vertebral artery. However, rodents are more desirable from several perspectives: low cost of the animals and procedures that increase in expense as a function of animal weight (e.g., autoradiography), relative homogeneity within strains owing to inbreeding, close resemblance of the cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology to that of higher species, and small brain sizes that are well suited to fixation procedures such as in vivo freeze trapping for biochemical analysis (Ginsberg and Busto, 1989).…”

Three variations in rabbit angiographic stroke models

“…The vertebral artery approach has been recommended in the past (Pan et al ., 1987) but does not specifically select the MCA or ACA and is not discussed here. The complex ICA origin in 16% of rabbits makes its selection and embolization difficult due to geometry or spasm.…”

Defining the Effect of Cervical Manipulation on Vertebral Artery Integrity: Establishment of an Animal Model

“…First, population studies which define risk are vulnerable to misdiagnosis/underreporting 12 and, by design, are unable to determine causation. 13 Alternatively, traditional cadaveric studies are incapable of recognizing biologic responses to injury such as thrombosis, 14,15 vasospasm, [16][17][18] or the modulating effects of suspected premorbid risk factors such as hyperhomocysteinemia. 19 Therefore, to investigate this topic adequately, an experimental platform is needed that is accessible, adaptable, and biologically responsive-an animal model.…”