Objective: Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model is an important model in studying ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. In this paper we introduce a simple suture method to produce the focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

and evaluate the reliability of this model in Wistar rats with the degree of neurologic impairment

TTC stain

histologic changes. Methods: Nylon thread was inserted into the internal carotid artery in Wistar rat to achieve an animal model of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Results: 1.5h after MCAO

the rat displays Horner’s sign

forelimb flexion

circling behavior. TTC stain clearly indicates the infarction size and relative stability

and can observe histological changes of ischemia. 3h after MCAO and 3h

6hr after reperfusion

the ischemic changes become heavier

but there is no change observed in the score of neurologic behavior. Conclusion: This improved model is simple

stable and reliable. It is advisable to use this experimental animal model to study focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.