Performing Laser-Induced Brain Injury in a Rat Model

Abstract

Source: Kuts, R., et al. Laser-Induced Brain Injury in the Motor Cortex of Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (2020)

This video demonstrates a procedure to generate precise, controlled brain injury in the rat motor cortex using a laser.

Protocol

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

1. Laser-induced brain injury experimental procedure

1. Anesthetize the rat with a mixture of 2% isoflurane in oxygen, allowing for spontaneous ventilation. Check for sufficient anesthetic depth by pinching the tail with forceps to see if the withdrawal reflex is absent.
2. Using a rectal temperature-regulated heating pad, maintain the rat's core body temperature at 37 °C throughout the experimental procedure.
3. Remove local hair with a shaver and disin....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Brain & Tissue Matrices	SIGMA - ALDRICH	15013
Digital Weighing Scale	SIGMA - ALDRICH	RS 4000
Ethanol 96 %	ROMICAL		Flammable Liquid
Heater with thermometer	Heatingpad-1	Model: HEATINGPAD-1/2
Infusion Cuff	ABN	IC-500
Isofluran, USP 100%	Piramamal Critical Care, Inc	NDC 66794-017
Scalpel blades 11	SIGMA - ALDRICH	S2771
Sharplan 3000 Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser machine	Laser Industries Ltd
Stereotaxic head holder	KOPF	900LS