Open AccessPreclinical animal studies in ischemic stroke: Challenges and some solutions
Author(s) -
Narayan Sunil K.,
Cherian Simy,
Phaniti Prakash,
Chidambaram Saravana,
Vasanthi A. Hannah,
Arumugam Murugesan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
animal models and experimental medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2576-2095
DOI - 10.1002/ame2.12166
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , stroke (engine) , medicine , clinical trial , ischemic stroke , human studies , animal studies , ischemia , animal model , neuroscience , preclinical research , brain ischemia , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , cardiology , psychology , medical physics , mechanical engineering , engineering
Despite the impressive efficacies demonstrated in preclinical research, hundreds of potentially neuroprotective drugs have failed to provide effective neuroprotection for ischemic stroke in human clinical trials. Lack of a powerful animal model for human ischemic stroke could be a major reason for the failure to develop successful neuroprotective drugs for ischemic stroke. This review recapitulates the available cerebral ischemia animal models, provides an anatomical comparison of the circle of Willis of each species, and describes the functional assessment tests used in these ischemic stroke models. The distinct differences between human ischemic stroke and experimental stroke in available animal models is explored. Innovative animal models more closely resembling human strokes, better techniques in functional outcome assessment and better experimental designs generating clearer and stronger evidence may help realise the development of truly neuroprotective drugs that will benefit human ischemic stroke patients. This may involve use of newer molecules or revisiting earlier studies with new experimental designs. Translation of any resultant successes may then be tested in human clinical trials with greater confidence and optimism.