The most widely used approach is oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), which simulates ischemia by removing oxygen and glucose supply. Reperfusion can be modeled by restoring normal culture conditions (OGD/R).
In vitro models offer tremendous opportunities to model stroke and improve drug discovery pipelines by allowing specific underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms to be studied under ischemia-like conditions of energy deficiency. At Ace Therapeutics, we are committed to developing customized in vitro models of stroke to enhance the translational capabilities of your drug discovery and development programs.
Due to the availability of transgenic strains, rodents are often chosen to construct in vivo stroke models. However, due to the 80 million years of evolution separating rodents and humans, there are species-specific anatomical, cellular, and molecular differences between humans and rodents that may affect the outcome of neuroprotective strategies. In vitro stroke models are used to study specific molecular pathways that occur in stroke pathology. These models have many advantages, they are reproducible, easy to produce and maintain, and cost-effective. In addition, in vitro systems, especially human in vitro systems, can provide very valuable information about drug safety, while also allowing for cost-effective high-throughput screening assays.
Fig. 1. Culture of brain cells for 2D and 3D in vitro models. (Amado et al., 2022)
Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive in vitro stroke modeling services to meet our customer needs. Our laboratory has a full of in vitro facility equipped with cell culture, microscopy, cell isolation systems, flow cytometry analysis, and a variety of assays to assess drug response.
Based on innovative cellular technologies and genetic and molecular manipulation platforms, Ace Therapeutics provides customizable, simplified, and highly controlled ischemic stroke in vitro model platforms. We can help you study ischemic stroke in vitro by implementing ischemia-like conditions through the hypoxia-glucose deprivation (OGD) method. 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.
Ace Therapeutics is committed to developing 3D in vitro models of ischemic stroke to better reproduce the brain environment, helping you to achieve high-throughput screening and improve your chances of finding new and successful therapies.
Ace Therapeutics provides reliable in vitro models of hemorrhagic stroke for rapid and effective drug screening. We construct in vitro models of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) through a variety of methods, including hemoglobin, heme, autologous blood intracerebral injection, hydrogen peroxide, and glutamate. We also provide in vitro phenotypic assays including analysis of different parameters associated with cellular damage.
| Model | Description | Applications | Key Readouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| OGD Model (Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation) | In vitro ischemia model induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation, applicable to monoculture or co-culture systems | Simulation of ischemic injury and reperfusion, neuroprotection and cytotoxicity evaluation, mechanism studies |
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| Cell Co-culture Model | 2D BBB/NVU co-culture (endothelial cells + astrocytes ± pericytes) | BBB integrity studies, ischemic injury simulation, permeability screening |
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| 3D BBB Model | 3D BBB architecture using hydrogels, spheroids, or vascular-like networks | Physiologically relevant 3D BBB modeling for evaluating drug penetration, injury, and recovery. |
|
| BBB Chip Model (Microfluidic Organ-on-Chip) | Dynamic BBB under flow (shear stress + real-time transport) with multi-cell co-culture | Ischemia/reperfusion modeling, real-time transport, drug screening with higher predictability |
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Whatever your project requires, we have the in vitro biology platforms to support faster and better decision making for your stroke drug discovery program. Our team of experts has extensive experience working with companies to support in vitro pharmacological characterization of lead compounds and are committed to saving you valuable time and resources by providing efficient screening platforms and validated 2D and 3D models that give you confidence in your data.
With multiple reliable in vitro models, choosing Ace Therapeutics as your preclinical stroke CRO will accelerate your drug screening process. Need more? Contact us about custom model development. We are constantly developing new models and would be happy to develop one for you to study.
What is the most common method to mimic ischemic stroke in vitro?
The most widely used approach is oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), which simulates ischemia by removing oxygen and glucose supply. Reperfusion can be modeled by restoring normal culture conditions (OGD/R).
What is the difference between a co-culture BBB model and a 3D BBB model?
A co-culture BBB model typically uses 2D systems (e.g., Transwell) to study cell–cell interactions and barrier function. A 3D BBB model better mimics tissue-like structure and cell–matrix interactions, offering higher physiological relevance.
What is a BBB chip model and why is it important for stroke research?
A BBB chip is a microfluidic platform that recreates BBB function under dynamic flow and shear stress. It enables real-time monitoring of barrier integrity and drug transport, making it valuable for more predictive stroke-related BBB studies.
How do researchers measure BBB integrity in vitro?
Common readouts include:
Can in vitro stroke models be used for drug screening?
Yes. In vitro models of stroke are commonly used for early-stage screening of neuroprotective compounds, BBB-protective agents, and drug delivery strategies by evaluating barrier function, permeability, and cell survival outcomes.
How to choose an appropriate in vitro stroke model?
Model selection depends on research goal:
Ace Therapeutics is a global leading provider of stroke research services. We are committed to accelerating progress in stroke research and drug development.