Table 1.
Neurological evaluation after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.
| Test | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Spontaneous activity (in cage for 5 min) | No movement | Barely moves | Moves but does not approach at least three sides of cage | Moves and approaches at least three sides of cage |
| Symmetry of movements (four limbs) | Right side: no movement | Right side: slight movement | Right side: moves slowly | Both sides: move symmetrically |
| Symmetry of forelimbs (outstretching while held by tail) | Right side: no movement, no outreaching | Right side: slight movement to outreach | Right side: moves and outreaches less than right side | Symmetrical outreach |
| Climbing wall of wire cage | … | Fails to climb | Right side is weak | Normal climbing |
| Reaction to touch on either side of trunk | … | No response on right side | Weak response on right side | Symmetrical response |
| Response to vibrissae touch | … | No response on right side | Weak response on right side | Symmetrical response |
Rats were housed in stainless plastic cages with wire-mesh bottoms.