ABSTRACT
The animal model of four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) is to induce global ischemia by occluding four major vessels (two vertebral and two common carotid arteries) that supply blood to the brain. The surgical procedure is relatively simple compared to other stroke models. Gerbils were first used for global ischemia models. There are several methods available for inducing global cerebral hypoxia-ischemia in small animals. The 4-VO model described in 1979 by W. A. Pulsinelli and J. B. Brierley was the most-used technique and contributed greatly to research on global ischemia. Another complication is excessive tissue damage, which may cause neurological damage not associated with global ischemia. Surgical complications include leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in a decompression effect and excessive tissue damage. The animals are ventilated during the surgical procedure with a respirator. The advantages of 4-VO model are relative ease of preparation of large numbers of animals; a high positive rate of ischemic neuronal injury; and less use of anesthesia.
