[Contemporary models of experimental cerebral ischemia: photothrombosis and intracerebral application of endothelin-1].

Focal cerebral ischemia is an important cause of death and disability. Various experimental models were designed to study the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ischemic damage and to evaluate putative neuroprotective strategies. The lack of correlation between the results of experimental and clinical studies resulted in much criticism of animal models of stroke. However, experimental models are undoubtedly the most important source of information on stroke pathophysiology, and will definitely remain an integral part of stroke research in the future. Due to much variability between different models, it is important to have a clear understanding of their pathophysiological characteristics - it is essential for correct interpretation of the experimental results. This aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the models of photothrombosis and endothelin-mediated focal ischemia.