In Vitro Modeling of Ischemic Stroke

Most of the knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke is derived from in vitro and in vivo models. Animal stroke models have been indispensable tools because they can simulate different aspects of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Although in vitro models are unable to simulate the complexity of ischemic stroke because of the lack of vasculature, for example, specific underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms can be investigated under ischemia-like energy-deficient conditions. In vitro models offer tremendous opportunities to simulate stroke and improve the drug discovery pipeline.

Fig. 1. Humanized cerebral organoids-based ischemic stroke model for discovering of potential anti-stroke agents. (Wang et al., 2023)

Custom In Vitro Ischemic Stroke Models

Based on innovative cellular technologies and molecular genetic manipulation platforms, Ace Therapeutics is committed to developing customizable, simplified, and highly controlled in vitro model platforms for ischemic stroke. These in vitro models enable the analysis of test compounds that protect primary neurons from induced hypoxic conditions.

2D In Vitro Ischemic Stroke Model

We offer a wide range of validated 2D in vitro stroke models to choose from, such as primary neurons, astrocytes, microglia, primary brain slices, brain endothelial cell lines, embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived neurons, multicellular co-culture models, etc. Each model can be customized to meet customer needs.

3D In Vitro Ischemic Stroke Model

Compared to 2D in vitro ischemic stroke models, in vitro 3D models in the stroke environment can better simulate the complexity of the organism. Based on an advanced cellular technology platform, Ace Therapeutics is committed to developing 3D in vitro ischemic stroke models to better reproduce the brain environment, helping you to achieve high-throughput screening and improve your chances of finding new and successful therapies.

In Vitro Modeling Method

We can help you study ischemic stroke in vitro by implementing ischemia-like conditions through the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) method. Cell or tissue cultures are placed in a hypoxic or anaerobic chamber containing an N₂/CO₂ atmosphere, where O₂/CO₂ balanced medium is replaced by glucose-free N₂/CO₂ balanced medium. Incubation is initiated. Cultures are maintained in the incubator for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the specific cell type used and the degree of ischemic injury required.

Assays for In Vitro Ischemic Stroke Models 

After oxygen-glucose deprivation, we can perform several studies to analyze the different stages of the cell death process and the possible recovery of damaged neurons:

• Caspase 3-7 activation
• LDH release
• Neuronal synapse growth studies
• Cell viability
• Mitochondrial damage
• Oxidative stress

Applications

• Study the fundamental key control points and molecular pathways underlying necrotic cell death, programmed cell death, and autophagy in stroke
• High-throughput analysis to test novel potential neuroprotective drugs

Ace Therapeutics in vitro ischemic stroke model is a very useful stroke research tool to help understand the underlying biochemical and cellular mechanisms. The in vitro system not only provides a low-cost basis for stroke drug discovery but also complements in vivo assay studies to improve clinical translation. Need to know more? Contact us and let one of our experts provide you with all the answers you need.

1. Wang, S. N., et al. (2023). Humanized cerebral organoids-based ischemic stroke model for discovering of potential anti-stroke agents. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 44(3), 513-523.