Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the subtype of stroke with the most unfavorable outcome but the least well investigated molecular pathophysiology. Among others, not sufficiently well standardized in vivo models suitable for the use with transgenic animals may be responsible for this situation. Therefore the aim of the current study was to detect suitable intra-operative parameters for the controlled and standardized induction of SAH in mice and to characterize the long-term functional and histopathological outcome of mice subjected to this procedure.Experimental study in mice using the intraluminal Circle of Willis perforation (CWp) model of SAH.SAH induced a sharp increase of intracranial pressure (ICP) from 5.1+/-1.2 to 78.5+/-9.3 mm Hg (mean+/-SD; p