Establishing a Model of Zika Virus-Induced Neurodegeneration in an Adult Mouse

Abstract

Source: Herrlinger, S. A. et al. Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult. J. Vis. Exp. (2018)

The video demonstrates intracerebral injection of Zika virus suspension in an adult mouse to induce neurodegeneration. An anesthetized mouse is secured in a stereotaxic frame, and a hole is drilled into the exposed skull for injection. A suspension of the Zika virus is injected into the brain tissue. The viral infection causes inflammation, leading to neurodegeneration.

Protocol

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

1. Adult Intracerebral Inoculation of Zika Virus

1. Inject adult mice intraperitoneally with ketamine hydrochloride (80-100 mg/kg) and xylazine (5-10 mg/kg) diluted in sterile saline to induce anesthesia. Inject buprenorphine-SR (0.5-1.0mg/kg) subcutaneously to induce analgesia. Toe/tail pinch the mouse to ensure its anesthetic state, and subsequently mount it on the stereotaxic instrument (with a heating pad) to immobilize the head during surgery. 

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Flexible Drive Shaft Drill Hanging Motor	Leica	39416001
Mouse Stereotax	Kopf	04557R
Micro4 Microsyringe Pump Controller	WPI	SYS-MICRO4
UMP3 UltraMicroPump	WPI	UMP3
Modulamp	Schott	-
Luer-lock tubing (19-gauge)	Hamilton	90619
Melting Point Capillary	Kimble	34500-99	Glass needle
10 µL, Model 1701 RN SYR, Small Removable NDL, 26s ga, 2 in, point style 2	Hamilton	80030	for neonate/adult
4-0 Ethilon Nylon Sutures	Ethicon	-
Mineral Oil	VWR	-
micropipette puller	Sutter Instruments	P-1000
Micropipette Grinder	Narishige	EG-44