Laser-induced brain injury in the motor cortex of rats

Ruslan Kuts, Israel Melamed, Honore N. Shiyntum, Benjamin F. Gruenbaum, Dmitri Frank, Boris Knyazer, Dmitry Natanel, Olena Severynovska, Max Vinokur, Matthew Boyko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A common technique for inducing stroke in experimental rodent models involves the transient (often denoted as MCAO-t) or permanent (designated as MCAO-p) occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using a catheter. This generally accepted technique, however, has some limitations, thereby limiting its extensive use. Stroke induction by this method is often characterized by high variability in the localization and size of the ischemic area, periodical occurrences of hemorrhage, and high death rates. Also, the successful completion of any of the transient or permanent procedures requires expertise and often lasts for about 30 minutes. In this protocol, a laser irradiation technique is presented that can serve as an alternative method for inducing and studying brain injury in rodent models. When compared to rats in the control and MCAO groups, the brain injury by laser induction showed reduced variability in body temperature, infarct volume, brain edema, intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Furthermore, the use of a laser-induced injury caused damage to the brain tissues only in the motor cortex unlike in the MCAO experiments where destruction of both the motor cortex and striatal tissues is observed. Findings from this investigation suggest that laser irradiation could serve as an alternative and effective technique for inducing brain injury in the motor cortex. The method also shortens the time for completing the procedure and does not require expert handlers.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere60928
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments
Volume2020
Issue number163
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2020
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience (all)
  • Chemical Engineering (all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (all)
  • Immunology and Microbiology (all)

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