Experimental intracerebral haemorrhage: description of a semi-coagulated autologous blood model in rats

AbstractObjectives:A major limitation of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) research is the lack of reproducible animal models. The purpose of the present study was to produce experimental haemorrhages and to characterise the lesion by histology and behaviour in rats.Methods:A total of 180 male SD rats were anaesthetised with chloral hydrate. Rats were placed in a stereotactic frame, and a microinjector was introduced through a burr hole into the right striatum. Each rat received an injection of 60 μL of semi-coagulated autologous whole blood over 6 minutes. The needle was slowly withdrawn 40 minutes after the injection. Control rat had only needle insertion. Time courses of haematoma resolution and pathological changes after intrastriatal injection of semi-coagulated autologous blood were observed. Neurological status was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21.The behavioural tests used were forelimb placing and a corner turn test.Results:Rats with ICH had a marked, persistent neurological deficit and a hi...