Implanting an Electrode into the Subthalamic Nucleus of a Rat

Abstract

Source: Fluri, F., et al., Microelectrode Guided Implantation of Electrodes into the Subthalamic Nucleus of Rats for Long-term Deep Brain Stimulation. J. Vis. Exp. (2015)

The video demonstrates a procedure for implanting an electrode into the subthalamic nucleus of a rat to deliver electrical stimuli.

Protocol

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

1. Anesthesia

1. Check the anesthetic system to ensure adequate supply of gas (oxygen) and isoflurane for the duration of the procedure. Connect the nosecone with the incisor bar of the stereotaxic instrument and set the incisor bar at -3.3 mm.
2. Turn on the supply gas (2 L/min). Place the rat into a box and seal the top. Turn on the isoflurane vaporizer to 3.5%.
3. When the rat is recumbent, switch the system so that the anesthetic gas flows to the nosecone....

Results

Figure 1. Fixation of the head in the stereotaxic instrument. The rat is fixed by the ear bars of the stereotaxic frame, as well as by the gas anesthesia mask.

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Pt/Ir electrode	FHC Inc.	UE	Custom-made: Specification: UEPSEGSECN1M
Plugs	GT Labortechnik (Arnstein/Germany)
Pin header	DISTRELEC	143-95-324	single-row, 90° 1x3 datamate, Type M80-8420342
Socket	DISTRELEC	143-95-621	single-row,straight 2 mm pole no.1x3 datamate, Type M80-8400342
Stainless steel spring	Plastics ONE	SS0102	Part-#: .120 X .156 Spring ID (mm): 3.0 Spring OD (mm): 4.0
Dental cement/Paladur	Heraeus Kulzer	64707938	Liquid, 500 ml
Dental cement/Paladur	Heraeus Kulzer	64707954	Powder, rose, 500g
Head screw	Hummer & Reiss	V2ADIN84 M1.6x3
Jodosept PVP	Vetoquinol		435678/E04
Mepivacain 1%	AstraZeneca		PZN03338515
Epinephrine	Sanofi-Aventis		PZN00176118
Tramadolhydrochloride	Rotexmedica		38449.00.00