Segmented Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Primates: An Experimental Method Requiring Minimal Surgery and Anesthesia

Abstract

Due to certain anthropomorphic features of the cerebral circulation, monkeys are generally preferable to lower species in experimental models of stroke. By injecting specially molded silicone cylinders through internal carotid artery cannulas, segmental occlusions of the middle cerebral artery were produced in macaques. This embolic method produced cerebral infarction in all instances while the integrity of skull and intracranial collateral circulation were preserved. Because only neck surgery was required, local anesthesia could be used, permitting observation of acute infarctions in sedated, conscious animals.