Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Hippocampal Neuronal Activity in a Rat Model

Abstract

Source: Selvakumar, T., et al., Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in the Rat Hippocampus After Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Thalamic Nucleus. J. Vis. Exp. (2015)

This video demonstrates the procedure for implanting electrodes into the rat brain to apply deep brain stimulation (DBS), which modulates neuronal activity and enhances communication with the hippocampus, supporting neuronal survival and neurogenesis.

Protocol

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

1. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) Surgery

1. Inject the Ketamine/Xylazine mix intraperitoneally into the animal and confirm that it has reached a surgical plane of anesthesia (by checking for the toe-pinch reflex, respiratory rate depth, and regularity of breathing). Remove hair from the region of the scalp that will be incised and disinfect the scalp with three alternating scrubs, each of betadine and either alcohol or sterile saline. Secure and position the animal on the stereotactic frame.
2. Use circulating w....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Stereotactic frame	Kopf Instruments	Model 900
Drill	Dremmel	7700, 7.2 V
Scalpel	BD	372610
Ketamine	Patterson Veterinary	07-803-6637	Schedule III Controlled Substance, procurement, use and storage according to institutional rules
Xylazine	Patterson Veterinary	07-808-1947
Buprenorphine	Patterson Veterinary	07-850-2280	Schedule III Controlled Substance, procurement, use and storage according to institutional rules
Surgical staples	ConMed Corporation	8035
Sutures (3-0)	Harvard Apparatus	72-3333
Syringe (1 ml, 29 1/2 G)	BD	329464	Sterile, use for Anesthesia administration intraperitoneally
Syringe (3 ml, 25 G)	BD	309570	Sterile, use for Analgesia administration subcutaneously
Needles	BD	305761	Sterile, use for clearing broken bone pieces from the burr holes
Ethanol	Fisher Scientific	S25309B	Use for general sterilization
Eye lubricant	Fisher Scientific	19-898-350
Stimulator	Medtronic	Model 3628
DBS electrodes	Rhodes Medical Instruments, CA	SNEX100x-100mm	Electrodes are platinum, concentric and bipolar
Betadine (Povidone-Iodine)	PDI	S23125	Single use swabsticks, use for sterilizing the scalp before making incision