Experimental animal models of intracerebral hemorrhage

Experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been studied in several models and species, including the rat, rabbit, cat, dog, and primate. This article discusses models developed in which hematomas are Produced by infusing autologous blood into specific brain regions. These models have contributed significantly to the knowledge of ICH-induced injury, including the roles of mass effect and elevated intracranial pressure, alterations in blood flow and metabolism, and the impact of specific blood components on brain edema formation and blood-brain barrier (131313) disruption. These models also provide details of biochemical and molecular events, and they enable testing of potential therapies, both pharmacologic and surgical. This article first describes the brain pathologic responses to ICH in animal models, then discusses in more detail findings that have been obtained with individual species and models.