Custom Photothrombotic Stroke Model

The photothrombotic (PT) model of ischemic stroke is induced by local intravascular photooxidation. The procedure relies on the intraperitoneal (mice) or intravenous (rats and large animals) administration of a light-sensitive dye, and then shining specific wavelengths of light through the intact skull to the brain. Light activates the dye, leading to the formation of singlet oxygen and superoxide, which in turn leads to endothelial damage, platelet activation, and aggregation. This results in rapid ischemic cell death in illuminated brain regions in the arterial terminal region, ultimately leading to cortical ischemic lesions.

Fig. 1. The development of photothrombotic lesion. (Verma et al., 2021)

Custom Photothrombotic Stroke Model

Ace Therapeutics provides state-of-the-art photothrombotic stroke models to study the molecular mechanisms of ischemic cell death and search potential anti-stroke drugs. With our expertise in this field, we provide customized and reliable solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Animal Modeling Method

We can inject Rose Bengal (4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2',4',5',7'-tetraiodoluciferin) into rodents and enters to the bloodstream. The target brain region is irradiated with a specific wavelength of light to trigger the coagulation cascade and lead to thrombus formation.

We have strict quality control systems for the concentration of sensitive dyes, the delay time between dye injection and irradiation, the intensity of the light source, the diameter of the illuminated surface, the irradiation time, and body temperature during and after surgery. We can perform a series of preliminary experiments to test reproducibility and determine the minimum dye amount and irradiation time to produce a lesion that selectively affects the target area and/or obtains significant behavioral deficits.

Model Assessment Animal Model Characterization and Validation

• The model will produce a cortical lesion that is visible upon visual dissection of the cortex
• We can quickly measure the extent of cerebral infarction by histological staining with triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) on fresh tissue or by cresyl violet after fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde
• In addition, 5 h after stroke we can use Evans blue dye to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption

Advantages of Our Custom Photothrombotic Stroke Model

• By using a laser beam aimed at a predetermined area, our photothrombotic stroke model allows researchers to precisely induce ischemia in a specific region of interest.
• The intensity and duration of the laser can be easily adjusted, allowing researchers to study dose-response relationships.
• Our customized photothrombotic stroke model minimizes the need for surgical intervention, can reduce the risk of complications, and ensures more focused and controlled ischemia induction.
• The model minimizes long-term sensorimotor impairments, allowing assessment of behavioral deficits and long-term recovery.

Applications

• Study cellular and molecular responses underlying brain plasticity in transgenic mice
• Evaluate ischemic stroke drug efficacy

Ace Therapeutics offers customers worldwide a customizable, easy-to-execute, and highly reproducible photothrombotic stroke model that helps you assess cortical plasticity in response to brain injury at the cellular and molecular levels. With superior solutions and an experienced team, we are your ideal partner for stroke research. Clients can contact us directly and receive timely feedback.

1. Verma, A., Singhal, N. K., & Anand, U. (2021). Photothrombotic Stroke Model. Models and Techniques in Stroke Biology, 107-115.