A New Model of Cerebral Microthrombosis in Rats and the Neuroprotective Effect of a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor

Abstract

We present a new model of stroke in rats, in which the perforating arteries are selectively occluded by microthrombi. This model is useful to investigate the pathophysiology and treatment of small cerebral infarction, which is caused by perforating arterial occlusive diseases such as lacunar infarcts. Fasudil may be beneficial in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.