Longitudinal evolution of neurovascular coupling during stroke recovery

We present the use of intrinsic optical signal imaging to monitor the progression of ischemic stroke in the acute and chronic phases of recovery. An optimized mouse photothrombosis stroke model is used to induce stroke in the sensory forelimb area and longitudinal recovery is assessed using resting state functional connectivity as well as forelimb stimulation. These functional measures are then correlated with behavioral outcome assessed with a forelimb asymmetry test. Obtaining measures in both the acute and chronic phases of recovery will enable better interpretation of human functional neuroimaging stroke studies and allow their use in understanding acute stroke.