Rat Surgery
Rat Surgery - Related Videos
12:45
Stereotaxic Surgery for Excitotoxic Lesion of Specific Brain Areas in the Adult Rat
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Cited by 22 •
2012
Targeted ablation of specific brain region(s) by infusion of an excitotoxin using stereotaxic coordinates is described. This technique could also be adapted for infusion of other chemicals into the rat brain.
04:14
Performing Thoracic Spinal Cord Hemisection Surgery in Rats
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2025
This video demonstrates the surgical procedure for performing a thoracic spinal cord hemisection in rats. It outlines the steps to expose the T8 spinal cord segment, perform the hemisection to disrupt neural tracts on one side, and provide post-operative care.
12:13
Considerations for Rodent Surgery
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2016
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals1 dictates that rodent survival surgery be performed aseptically. Aseptic technique utilizes specific practices that minimize the contamination of the surgical site, including patient preparation, surgeon preparation, sterilization of instruments and other supplies, and the use of a clean and controlled environment. Presurgical planning,...
00:08
Survivable Stereotaxic Surgery in Rodents
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Cited by 50 •
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.
07:23
Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats
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Cited by 2 •
2023
This protocol describes the tibial neuroma transposition model, which entails a lesion of the tibial nerve with subsequent transposition of the proximal nerve end toward a subcutaneous pretibial or lateral position. Behavioral testing of neuroma pain and plantar hyperalgesia is quantified using Von Frey monofilaments.
FAQs
Stereotaxic coordinates guide access to selected brain regions by linking the intended target with controlled surgical positioning. This precision helps researchers place electrodes or drug-delivery devices where neural activity or treatment effects can be examined, while reducing unnecessary tissue disruption. Consistent targeting also improves comparisons among animals and strengthens the interpretation of neurological outcomes.
Anesthesia supports controlled procedures and reduces pain, while aseptic conditions help protect the surgical site during access to the brain. Instruments and approaches designed to limit tissue damage help preserve the surrounding anatomy, making later physiological or behavioral measurements more interpretable. Together, these conditions support both animal welfare and consistency across experiments.
These interventions manipulate or measure neural systems in distinct ways. Electrodes can support investigation of neural activity, drug-delivery devices can examine effects produced by targeted treatment, and experimental lesions can reveal consequences of disrupting selected tissue. The resulting physiological, behavioral, or disease-related observations help connect particular brain regions with circuit function and treatment responses.
A typical workflow includes preparing the animal and surgical field, maintaining anesthesia and aseptic conditions, gaining surgical access, using stereotaxic coordinates when a brain target is required, and completing the planned implantation or lesion procedure. Researchers then close the wound, monitor vital signs, provide pain control, and follow postoperative recovery to support reliable outcomes.
Researchers use these procedures when they need to connect a specific neural manipulation with measurable changes in physiology, behavior, disease progression, injury, or treatment response. The approach is particularly useful for studying neural circuits and neurodegeneration because targeted access allows experimental changes to be related to subsequent neurological outcomes in a living animal.
Monitoring vital signs, pain, wound closure, and recovery helps distinguish intended neurological effects from complications of the procedure. Consistent postoperative care also supports animal welfare and reduces variability between subjects. This is important when evaluating behavior, neural function, injury, neurodegeneration, or treatment effects, because recovery conditions can influence the measurements collected after surgery.