Introduction (Parts IIII)

Cerebral ischemic models present highly complex scenarios affecting the interplay of multiple systems, cellular populations, signaling pathways, and molecular events. As the brief introduction to Parts I–III, Chap. 1 provides a general overview of the nature of the three primary cerebral ischemic models to be discussed: global cerebral ischemia (Part I), focal cerebral ischemia (Part II), and neonatal hypoxia/ischemia (Part III). Under each of these settings, the current morphological, biochemical, molecular, neurobehavioral, and neurogenic assessment strategies are discussed in the subsequent chapters. Parameters relevant to specific models have been identified and included in each section, such as the assessment of physiological alterations (e.g., cerebral blood flow), inflammation, and angiogenesis in the context of focal ischemic injury. The subsequent chapters provide a wide range of assessment strategies for investigating the mechanisms of cerebral ischemic injuries and potential therapeutic mechanisms.