Transcranial Electrical Brain Stimulation in Alert Rodents

Brita Fritsch; Anne-Kathrin Gellner; Janine Reis

doi:10.3791/56242

Estimulación eléctrica cerebral transcraneal en roedores alerta

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Transcranial Electrical Brain Stimulation in Alert Rodents

Estimulación eléctrica cerebral transcraneal en roedores alerta

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10:08 min

November 2, 2017

DOI: 10.3791/56242-v

Brita Fritsch¹, Anne-Kathrin Gellner¹, Janine Reis¹

¹Department of Neurology,Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg

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Overview

This protocol describes a surgical technique to establish a stable epicranial electrode socket and an implanted chest electrode in rodents. This setup allows for various types of transcranial electrical brain stimulation (tES) to be applied to the motor cortex in conscious animals, facilitating research in neuromodulation and neuroplasticity.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Neuromodulation
Surgical techniques in rodent models

Background

Transcranial electrical brain stimulation can enhance motor function in rodent models.
The protocol addresses challenges in electrode placement and tunneling for stimulation.
Reliable methods for tES are essential for studying brain networks.
Minimally invasive techniques help maintain the animal's behavioral integrity during experiments.

Purpose of Study

To facilitate safe and repeated electrical brain stimulation in alert rodents.
To improve understanding of motor system functions through targeted stimulation.
To address existing challenges in electrode placement in surgical procedures.

Methods Used

Surgeries for electrode implantation were performed on alert rodents.
Techniques included tunneling cables from the head to the chest and securing electrodes.
Specific drilling and suturing methods were detailed for socket and electrode placement.
Key steps included disinfecting the surgical area, careful bone preparation, and electrode attachment.

Main Results

The procedure allows for the application of tES without causing discomfort to the animals.
Ensuring proper stabilization of electrodes is critical for effective stimulation.
Visual demonstration of the surgical steps is essential for reproducibility.
Timing and care in bone preparation lead to successful implantation outcomes.

Conclusions

This surgical setup enhances the ability to conduct reliable neuromodulation studies in rodent models.
The method permits exploration of motor function recovery mechanisms via transcranial stimulation.
Successful implementation of this technique may advance the understanding of neuronal plasticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using this surgical method?

This method allows non-invasive access to the brain for repeated stimulation while minimizing stress and discomfort for the animal.

How is the chest to head tunneling achieved?

The tunneling is performed by carefully separating the skin from underlying tissues, allowing for safe passage of the electrode cables.

What types of outcomes can be measured with this method?

Outcomes include behavioral assessments and the physiological effects of transcranial electrical stimulation on motor function.

Can this method be adapted for other types of experiments?

Yes, it can be modified for various research aims involving electrical stimulation in different brain regions of rodents.

What are some key considerations when performing the surgery?

Careful attention to sterile techniques, depth of anesthesia, and precise placement of electrodes are crucial for successful outcomes.

What challenges might inexperienced surgeons face?

Inexperienced individuals may struggle with proper electrode placement and maintaining the surgical field, emphasizing the need for visual guidance.

What is the importance of visual demonstration in this protocol?

Visual aids are critical for helping researchers understand the surgical steps and avoiding common pitfalls during electrode implantation.

Este protocolo describe un montaje quirúrgico para una toma de corriente del electrodo de epicranial permanente y un electrodo de pecho implantado en roedores. Al colocar un segundo electrodo en el zócalo, diferentes tipos de la estimulación eléctrica cerebral transcraneal pueden proporcionarse al sistema motor en animales alerta a través del cráneo intacto.

El objetivo general de este procedimiento quirúrgico es permitir una estimulación eléctrica cerebral transcraneal confiable y repetida en roedores alerta. Este método puede ayudar a responder preguntas clave en el campo de la neuromodulación y la neuroplasticidad mediante la estimulación eléctrica dirigida de las redes cerebrales para mejorar la función motora o los déficits. La principal ventaja de esta técnica es que permite repetir sesiones de estimulación eléctrica cerebral no invasiva en roedores alerta sin inducir molestias y la mínima interferencia de sus mediciones conductuales.

Las personas nuevas en este método pueden tener dificultades porque encontrar el camino correcto para el túnel del tórax a la cabeza, así como la preparación del hueso antes de la colocación del encaje del electrodo, suele ser difícil de realizar para los investigadores inexpertos. La demostración visual de este método es fundamental, ya que los pasos quirúrgicos para la colocación del encaje del electrodo, así como la preparación y colocación del electrodo para la estimulación, serán cruciales para el éxito de los experimentos. Nuestra candidata a doctorado, Stephanie Haschka, ayudará a realizar los procedimientos NEBS en ratas de alerta.

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