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(Stroke. 2009;40:S152.)
© 2009 American Heart Association, Inc.

Stem Cell Therapy

Experimental Models

Help or Hindrance

From the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Departments of Neurosurgery, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.

Correspondence to Alison E. Willing, PhD, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, MDC 78, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612. E-mail awilling{at}health.usf.edu

Although many potential therapeutics have improved motor and cognitive function in animal models of experimental stroke, very few have been found to have similar beneficial effects in clinical trials. In this review, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of the currently available rodent models in the development of cellular therapies for stroke and how they have been applied. The lack of translation between the animal work and clinical benefits is not because the animal models are not useful. If the recommendations of the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable are followed, then the studies will produce more clinically relevant information about potential new cell therapies. However, it will also be necessary to design clinical trials in a manner consistent with the preclinical study results.

Key Words: behavioral testing • cell therapy • cerebral ischemia • rodent