A rabbit model of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis established by ferric chloride and thrombin injection.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a life-threatening disease with high misdiagnosis and mortality rates due to its complex etiology and unknown pathophysiology. The present study aimed to establish an animal model suitable for assessing the pathophysiology of CVST and develop treatment methods.

METHODS: 40% ferric chloride (FeCl3) was administered for 5min followed by thrombin injection to induce superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed to ensure thrombosis and evaluate the recanalization rate 7days post-CVST. Neurological evaluation, Evans blue injection, 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were used to assess thrombosis and the accompanying brain parenchyma.

RESULTS: SSST was detected in all model rabbits, with a thrombus recanalization rate of 10%. Brain infarction, hemorrhage, cell edema, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were also observed.

CONCLUSION: The method of inducing cerebral venous sinus thrombosis by applying 40% FeCl3 and injecting thrombin is feasible and efficient. This experimental model mimics the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of actual CVST.