Animal Models: Cerebral Hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke associated with 50% of mortality by 1. month and high morbidity for most survivors. Preclinical ICH models have advanced our understanding and broadened our knowledge of pathophysiology and have helped to identify potential therapeutic targets and strategies. Currently, however, no cure is available for treating patients with ICH. Two animal models are commonly used to investigate ICH pathology and test novel therapies: the collagenase injection model and the blood injection model. In this chapter, we describe the basic surgical protocol for these models, explain the pathological changes that occur, and compare their advantages and disadvantages.