Mouse Headpost Implantation: A Method for Head Fixation in Rodents

Abstract

Source: França de Barros, F., et al. Long-term Sensory Conflict in Freely Behaving Mice. J. Vis. Exp. (2019).

This video shows a headpost implantation surgery in murine model. The headpost is used not only to head-fix and therefore restrain the mouse during experimentation, but also to securely attach a head device in freely moving animals.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Headpost Implantation Surgery

NOTE: Ensure the use of sterile instruments and arrange surgery and recovery in different zones. Once mastered, the implantation procedure lasts about 30 min.

1. For analgesia, 30 min before the beginning of the surgery, subcutaneously inject buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg) and put back the animal in its home cage.
   NOTE: Buprenorphine's analgesic effects last approximately 12 h....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Blunt scissors	FST	14079-10
Catalyst V	Sun Medical, Japan	LX22	Parkell bio-materials, Kit n°S380
Dentalon Plus	Heraeus	37041
Green activator	Sun Medical, Japan	VE-1	Parkell bio-materials, Kit n°S380
Monomer	Sun Medical, Japan	MF-1	Parkell bio-materials, Kit n°S380
Ocrygel	TvmLab	10779	Ophtalmic vet ointment
Polymer L-type clear (cement)	Sun Medical, Japan	TT12F	Parkell bio-materials, Kit n°S380