Element dysregulation is a pathophysiologic hallmark of ischemic stroke. Prior characterization of post-stroke element dysregulation in the photothrombotic model demonstrated significant element changes for ions that are essential for the function of the neurovascular unit. To characterize the dynamic changes during the early hyperacute phase (<6 h), we employed a temporary large-vessel occlusion stroke model. The middle cerebral artery was temporarily occluded for 30 min in male C57BL/6 mice, and coronal brain sections were prepared for histology and X-ray fluorescence microscopy from 5 to 120 min post-reperfusion. Ion dysregulation was already apparent by 5 min post-reperfusion, evidenced by reduced total potassium in the lesion. Later time points showed further dysregulation of phosphorus, calcium, copper, and zinc. By 60 min post-reperfusion, the central portion of the lesion showed pronounced element dysregulation and could be differentiated from a surrounding region of moderate dysregulation. Despite reperfusion, the lesion continued to expand dynamically with increasing severity of element dysregulation throughout the time course. Given that the earliest time point investigated already demonstrated signs of ion disruption, we anticipate such changes may be detectable even earlier. The profound ion dysregulation at the tissue level after reperfusion may contribute to hindering treatments aimed at functional recovery of the neurovascular unit.
Keywords: X-ray fluorescence microscopy; imaging; ion homeostasis; ischemic stroke; metabolism.