Decerebration by global ischemic stroke in rats.

In this study we present a fast and simple technique to decerebrate rats. By injecting polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) into both common carotid arteries we occluded the circle of Willis and all cerebral arteries, thereby completely interrupting the blood supply to the cerebrum. High viscosity PVS was used so that it only entered the large arteries, and did not pass into the capillary beds. This procedure reliably resulted in an anemic decerebration, without interfering with the blood supply to the brainstem. Long-term survival was achieved by reducing intracranial pressure by the application of steroids and/or opening the skull.