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Ulger O, Eş I, Proctor CM, Algin O. Stroke studies in large animals: Prospects of mitochondrial transplantation and enhancing efficiency using hydrogels and nanoparticle-assisted delivery. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102469. [PMID: 39191353 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
One of the most frequent reasons for mortality and disability today is acute ischemic stroke, which occurs by an abrupt disruption of cerebral circulation. The intricate damage mechanism involves several factors, such as inflammatory response, disturbance of ion balance, loss of energy production, excessive reactive oxygen species and glutamate release, and finally, neuronal death. Stroke research is now carried out using several experimental models and potential therapeutics. Furthermore, studies are being conducted to address the shortcomings of clinical care. A great deal of research is being done on novel pharmacological drugs, mitochondria targeting compounds, and different approaches including brain cooling and new technologies. Still, there are many unanswered questions about disease modeling and treatment strategies. Before these new approaches may be used in therapeutic settings, they must first be tested on large animals, as most of them have been done on rodents. However, there are several limitations to large animal stroke models used for research. In this review, the damage mechanisms in acute ischemic stroke and experimental acute ischemic stroke models are addressed. The current treatment approaches and promising experimental methods such as mitochondrial transplantation, hydrogel-based interventions, and strategies like mitochondria encapsulation and chemical modification, are also examined in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oner Ulger
- Department of Mitochondria and Cellular Research, Gulhane Health Sciences Institute, University of Health Sciences, Ankara 06010, Turkiye; Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara 06010, Turkiye.
| | - Ismail Eş
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Christopher M Proctor
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Oktay Algin
- Interventional MR Clinical R&D Institute, Ankara University, Ankara 06100, Turkiye; Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty, Ankara University, Ankara 06100, Turkiye; National MR Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkiye
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2
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Tillet Y. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a New Tool for Neuroendocrine Research in Sheep. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:208-215. [PMID: 35051936 DOI: 10.1159/000522087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain analysis is used in rodents and for clinical investigation in humans, and it becomes also possible now for large animal models studies. Specific facilities are available with clinical scanners and benefit to neuroendocrine investigations in sheep. Sheep has a large gyrencephalic brain and its organization is very similar to primates and human, and among physiological regulations, oestrous cycle of the ewes is similar to women. Therefore, this animal is a good model for preclinical researches using MRI, as illustrated with steroids impact on the brain. New data were obtained concerning the effect of sexual steroids on neuronal networks involved in the control of reproduction and in the influence of sexual steroids on cognition. In addition to the importance of such data for understanding the role of these hormones on brain functions, they give new insights to consider the sheep as a powerful model for preclinical studies in the field of neuroendocrinology. These points are discussed in this short review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Tillet
- CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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3
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Ye J, Shang H, Du H, Cao Y, Hua L, Zhu F, Liu W, Wang Y, Chen S, Qiu Z, Shen H. An Optimal Animal Model of Ischemic Stroke Established by Digital Subtraction Angiography-Guided Autologous Thrombi in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Front Neurol 2022; 13:864954. [PMID: 35547371 PMCID: PMC9083075 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.864954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ischemic stroke seriously threatens human health, characterized by the high rates of incidence, disability, and death. Developing a reliable animal model that mimics most of the features of stroke is critical for pathological studies and clinical research. In this study, we aimed to establish and examine a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) guided by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in cynomolgus monkeys. Materials and Methods In this study, 15 adult male cynomolgus monkeys were enrolled. Under the guidance of DSA, a MCAO model was established by injecting an autologous venous clot into the middle cerebral artery (MCA) via femoral artery catheter. Thrombolytic therapy with alteplase (rt-PA) was given to eight of these monkeys at 3 h after the occlusion. Blood test and imaging examination, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), CT perfusion (CTP), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), were performed after the operation to identify the post-infarction changes. The behavioral performance of cynomolgus monkeys was continuously observed for 7 days after operation. The animals were eunthanized on the 8th day after operation, and then the brain tissues of monkeys were taken for triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Results Among the 15 cynomolgus monkeys, 12 of them were successfully modeled, as confirmed by the imaging findings and staining assessment. One monkey died of brain hernia resulted from intracranial hemorrhage confirmed by necropsy. DSA, CTA, and MRA indicated the presence of an arterial occlusion. CTP and MRI showed acute focal cerebral ischemia. TTC staining revealed infarct lesions formed in the brain tissues. Conclusion Our study may provide an optimal non-human primate model for an in-depth study of the pathogenesis and treatment of focal cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ye
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Hailong Shang
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongdi Du
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Hua
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Prisys Biotechnologies Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhifu Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Prisys Biotechnologies Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Shen
- Department of Radiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
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4
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Taha A, Bobi J, Dammers R, Dijkhuizen RM, Dreyer AY, van Es ACGM, Ferrara F, Gounis MJ, Nitzsche B, Platt S, Stoffel MH, Volovici V, Del Zoppo GJ, Duncker DJ, Dippel DWJ, Boltze J, van Beusekom HMM. Comparison of Large Animal Models for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Which Model to Use? Stroke 2022; 53:1411-1422. [PMID: 35164533 PMCID: PMC10962757 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.036050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Translation of acute ischemic stroke research to the clinical setting remains limited over the last few decades with only one drug, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, successfully completing the path from experimental study to clinical practice. To improve the selection of experimental treatments before testing in clinical studies, the use of large gyrencephalic animal models of acute ischemic stroke has been recommended. Currently, these models include, among others, dogs, swine, sheep, and nonhuman primates that closely emulate aspects of the human setting of brain ischemia and reperfusion. Species-specific characteristics, such as the cerebrovascular architecture or pathophysiology of thrombotic/ischemic processes, significantly influence the suitability of a model to address specific research questions. In this article, we review key characteristics of the main large animal models used in translational studies of acute ischemic stroke, regarding (1) anatomy and physiology of the cerebral vasculature, including brain morphology, coagulation characteristics, and immune function; (2) ischemic stroke modeling, including vessel occlusion approaches, reproducibility of infarct size, procedural complications, and functional outcome assessment; and (3) implementation aspects, including ethics, logistics, and costs. This review specifically aims to facilitate the selection of the appropriate large animal model for studies on acute ischemic stroke, based on specific research questions and large animal model characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Taha
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology (A.T., J.B., D.J.D., H.M.M.v.B.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center (A.T., D.W.J.D.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joaquim Bobi
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology (A.T., J.B., D.J.D., H.M.M.v.B.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben Dammers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center (R.D., V.V.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rick M Dijkhuizen
- Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands (R.M.D.)
| | - Antje Y Dreyer
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany (A.Y.D.)
| | - Adriaan C G M van Es
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands (A.C.G.M.v.E.)
| | - Fabienne Ferrara
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany (F.F.)
| | - Matthew J Gounis
- Department of Radiology, New England Center for Stroke Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (M.J.G.)
| | - Björn Nitzsche
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (B.N.), University of Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine (B.N.), University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Platt
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens (S.P.)
| | - Michael H Stoffel
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland (M.H.S.)
| | - Victor Volovici
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke Center (R.D., V.V.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gregory J Del Zoppo
- Division of Hematology (G.J.d.Z.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
- Department of Medicine (G.J.d.Z.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
- Department of Neurology (G.J.d.Z.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology (A.T., J.B., D.J.D., H.M.M.v.B.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Diederik W J Dippel
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center (A.T., D.W.J.D.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Boltze
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom (J.B.)
| | - Heleen M M van Beusekom
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology (A.T., J.B., D.J.D., H.M.M.v.B.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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5
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Murray SJ, Mitchell NL. The Translational Benefits of Sheep as Large Animal Models of Human Neurological Disorders. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831838. [PMID: 35242840 PMCID: PMC8886239 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have seen a considerable rise in the use of sheep to model human neurological disorders. While each animal model has its merits, sheep have many advantages over small animal models when it comes to studies on the brain. In particular, sheep have brains more comparable in size and structure to the human brain. They also have much longer life spans and are docile animals, making them useful for a wide range of in vivo studies. Sheep are amenable to regular blood and cerebrospinal fluid sampling which aids in biomarker discovery and monitoring of treatment efficacy. Several neurological diseases have been found to occur naturally in sheep, however sheep can also be genetically engineered or experimentally manipulated to recapitulate disease or injury. Many of these types of sheep models are currently being used for pre-clinical therapeutic trials, particularly gene therapy, with studies from several models culminating in potential treatments moving into clinical trials. This review will provide an overview of the benefits of using sheep to model neurological conditions, and highlight naturally occurring and experimentally induced sheep models that have demonstrated translational validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Murray
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand
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6
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Cattaneo GF, Herrmann AM, Eiden SA, Wieser M, Kellner E, Doostkam S, Süß P, Kiefer S, Fauth L, Maurer CJ, Wolfertz J, Nitzsche B, Büchert M, Jost T, Ihorst G, Haberstroh J, Mülling C, Strecker C, Niesen WD, Shah MJ, Urbach H, Boltze J, Meckel S. Selective intra-carotid blood cooling in acute ischemic stroke: A safety and feasibility study in an ovine stroke model. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:3097-3110. [PMID: 34159825 PMCID: PMC8756475 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211024952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Selective therapeutic hypothermia (TH) showed promising preclinical results as a neuroprotective strategy in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess safety and feasibility of an intracarotid cooling catheter conceived for fast and selective brain cooling during endovascular thrombectomy in an ovine stroke model.Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 3 h) was performed in 20 sheep. In the hypothermia group (n = 10), selective TH was initiated 20 minutes before recanalization, and was maintained for another 3 h. In the normothermia control group (n = 10), a standard 8 French catheter was used instead. Primary endpoints were intranasal cooling performance (feasibility) plus vessel patency assessed by digital subtraction angiography and carotid artery wall integrity (histopathology, both safety). Secondary endpoints were neurological outcome and infarct volumes.Computed tomography perfusion demonstrated MCA territory hypoperfusion during MCAO in both groups. Intranasal temperature decreased by 1.1 °C/3.1 °C after 10/60 minutes in the TH group and 0.3 °C/0.4 °C in the normothermia group (p < 0.001). Carotid artery and branching vessel patency as well as carotid wall integrity was indifferent between groups. Infarct volumes (p = 0.74) and neurological outcome (p = 0.82) were similar in both groups.Selective TH was feasible and safe. However, a larger number of subjects might be required to demonstrate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Fm Cattaneo
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrea M Herrmann
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian A Eiden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Wieser
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elias Kellner
- Department of MR Physics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Soroush Doostkam
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Süß
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Selina Kiefer
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Fauth
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph J Maurer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Björn Nitzsche
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Gabriele Ihorst
- Department of Clinical Trials, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Haberstroh
- Center for Experimental Models and Transgenic Service (CEMT), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Mülling
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolf-Dirk Niesen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mukesch J Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Horst Urbach
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Boltze
- School of Live Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Stephan Meckel
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuroradiology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria
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7
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Abstract
Stroke is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality. Animal models are indispensable tools that can mimic stroke processes and can be used for investigating mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic regimens. As a heterogeneous disease with complex pathophysiology, mimicking all aspects of human stroke in one animal model is impossible. Each model has unique strengths and weaknesses. Models such as transient or permanent intraluminal thread occlusion middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models and thromboembolic models are the most commonly used in simulating human ischemic stroke. The endovascular filament occlusion model is characterized by easy manipulation and accurately controllable reperfusion and is suitable for studying the pathogenesis of focal ischemic stroke and reperfusion injury. Although the reproducibility of the embolic model is poor, it is more convenient for investigating thrombolysis. Rats are the most frequently used animal model for stroke. This review mainly outlines the stroke models of rats and discusses their strengths and shortcomings in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Diseases of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangChina
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Diseases of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangChina
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8
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Blood oxygen level dependent fMRI and perfusion MRI in the sheep brain. Brain Res 2021; 1760:147390. [PMID: 33631207 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The ovine model could be an effective translational model but remains underexplored. Here, Blood Oxygen Level dependent functional MRI during visual stimulation and resting-state perfusion MRI were explored. We aimed at investigating the impact of isoflurane anesthesia during visual stimulation and evaluate resting cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume parameters in the lamb and adult sheep brain. BOLD fMRI and perfusion MRI after a bolus of DOTAREM were conducted in 4 lambs and 6 adult ewes at 3 T. A visual stimulation paradigm was delivered during fMRI at increasing isoflurane doses (1-3%). Robust but weak BOLD responses (0.21 ± 0.08%) were found in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) up to 3% isoflurane anaesthesia. No significant differences were found beween BOLD responses in the range 1 to 3% ISO (p > 0.05). However, LGN cluster size decreased and functional localization became less reliable at high ISO doses (2.5-3% ISO). BOLD responses were weaker in adult sheep than in lambs (4.6 ± 1.5 versus 13.6 ± 8.5; p = 0.08). Relative cerebral blood volumes (rCBV) and relative cerebral blood flows (rCBF) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in lambs than in adult sheep for both gray and white matter. The impact of volatile anesthesia was explored for the first time on BOLD responses demonstrating increased reliability of functional localization of brain activity at low doses. Perfusion MRI was conducted for the first time in both lambs and adult ewes. Assessment of baseline cerebrovascular values are of interest for future studies of brain diseases allowing an improved interpretation of BOLD responses.
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9
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Kringe L, Sena ES, Motschall E, Bahor Z, Wang Q, Herrmann AM, Mülling C, Meckel S, Boltze J. Quality and validity of large animal experiments in stroke: A systematic review. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:2152-2164. [PMID: 32576074 PMCID: PMC7585919 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20931062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
An important factor for successful translational stroke research is study quality. Low-quality studies are at risk of biased results and effect overestimation, as has been intensely discussed for small animal stroke research. However, little is known about the methodological rigor and quality in large animal stroke models, which are becoming more frequently used in the field. Based on research in two databases, this systematic review surveys and analyses the methodological quality in large animal stroke research. Quality analysis was based on the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable and the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments guidelines. Our analysis revealed that large animal models are utilized with similar shortcomings as small animal models. Moreover, translational benefits of large animal models may be limited due to lacking implementation of important quality criteria such as randomization, allocation concealment, and blinded assessment of outcome. On the other hand, an increase of study quality over time and a positive correlation between study quality and journal impact factor were identified. Based on the obtained findings, we derive recommendations for optimal study planning, conducting, and data analysis/reporting when using large animal stroke models to fully benefit from the translational advantages offered by these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Kringe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emily S Sena
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Edith Motschall
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsanett Bahor
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Qianying Wang
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea M Herrmann
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Mülling
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Meckel
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Boltze
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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