2.2. Transient Cerebral Ischemia Model

Focal transient cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min followed by reperfusion as described previously [29,30]. Sham mice underwent the same procedure but the silicon filament was not advanced through the internal carotid. All animals were fed with wet mash and administered subcutaneous saline injections following surgery until sacrifice [31]. Necropsy was performed on all mice after sacrifice to exclude any animals with evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. All animals were randomly assigned to treatment group.