Stereotaxic Microinjection
Stereotaxic Microinjection - Related Videos
08:22
Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference
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Cited by 2 •
2013
This article describes how to microinject viral vectors into mouse brain and then test in a conditioned place preference paradigm that includes an acquisition, extinction and reinstatement phase.
07:07
Stereotaxic Surgical Approach to Microinject the Caudal Brainstem and Upper Cervical Spinal Cord via the Cisterna Magna in Mice
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Cited by 5 •
2022
Stereotaxic surgery to target brain sites in mice commonly involves access through the skull bones and is guided by skull landmarks. Here we outline an alternative stereotaxic approach to target the caudal brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord via the cisterna magna that relies on direct visualization of brainstem landmarks.
00:08
Survivable Stereotaxic Surgery in Rodents
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Cited by 52 •
2008
The monitoring of extracellular neurotransmitter levels in distinct brain regions of freely moving animals offers insights on the link between neurotransmitter release and behavior. In vivo microdialysis coupled with electrochemical detection provides excellent anatomical and chemical resolution; and information on how basal neurotransmission is altered by pharmacological or physiological manipulations.
10:06
Personalized Needles for Microinjections in the Rodent Brain
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Cited by 3 •
2018
We describe here a protocol for microinjection in the rodent brain that uses quartz needles. These needles do not produce detectable tissue damage and ensure reliable delivery even in deep regions. Moreover, they can be adapted to research needs by personalized designs and can be re-used.
08:28
Rodent Stereotaxic Surgery
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2023
Stereotaxic (or stereotactic) surgery is a method used to manipulate the brain of living animals. This technique allows researchers to accurately target deep structures within the brain through the use of a stereotaxic atlas, which provides the 3D coordinates of each area with respect to anatomical landmarks on the skull. After the skull is exposed, anesthetized animals are mounted on a specialized instrument known as a stereotaxic frame, which enables the precise placement of experimental...
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The stereotaxic apparatus uses three-dimensional coordinates to position a fine needle at a defined location, while the planned depth determines how far the needle enters the target tissue. This coordinated positioning allows researchers to place material within a selected brain region or other tissue rather than relying on surface location alone, supporting reproducible experiments focused on specific structures.
Controlled release helps limit the amount of material delivered and reduces unintended exposure beyond the target site. Volume control is particularly important when researchers want to distinguish effects produced within a defined region from effects caused by wider distribution. Consistent delivery also improves comparison among experimental samples by making the treatment conditions more reproducible.
Target coordinates, needle depth, injected volume, and the identity of the delivered reagent all shape the experimental outcome. Coordinates and depth influence where the material acts, whereas volume affects how broadly it may spread within the tissue. The reagent determines whether the experiment is designed for drug delivery, tracing, genetic manipulation, or another localized purpose.
Drugs can be used to manipulate activity locally, tracers can label connections or tissue, and genetic material can support studies of gene function. These choices give the same delivery approach different experimental purposes. Selecting the reagent according to the biological question allows researchers to examine neural circuits, behavior, disease mechanisms, or localized genetic effects.
A basic workflow begins by using a stereotaxic apparatus to align the delivery device with three-dimensional coordinates. The fine needle is then positioned at the selected depth, and the chosen reagent is released in a controlled volume. This sequence links spatial planning with controlled delivery, helping investigators target defined tissue while minimizing disruption to surrounding structures.
Researchers choose this approach when a study requires localized manipulation or labeling within the brain or another defined tissue site. It is useful for investigating neural circuits and behavior, examining gene function, modeling disease mechanisms, and evaluating experimental treatments. Its value comes from connecting a specific biological effect with a precisely selected region rather than treating tissue broadly.
The method can reveal how a localized drug, tracer, genetic material, or other reagent affects a defined tissue region. Depending on the experimental design, results may support analysis of circuit organization, behavioral consequences, gene function, disease-related mechanisms, or treatment effects. It can also help establish reproducible models by delivering the same type of localized intervention across studies.