A Method to Inflict Closed Head Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila

Abstract

Source: Katzenberger, R. J., et al., A Method to Inflict Closed Head Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila. J. Vis. Exp. (2015).

The video demonstrates the use of a High-Impact Trauma (HIT) device to induce closed-head traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Drosophila. TBI causes mechanical brain trauma affecting neuronal function, which over time leads to neurodegeneration and mortality.

Protocol

1. Construction of the HIT Device

1. Attach the spring to the board using two clamps and four screws (Figure 1A). Center the clamps relative to the width of the board and butt them up against one another with the outer clamp flush with the edge of the board. Prior to attaching the clamps, bend them using pliers to fit tightly over the spring.
   NOTE: See Table 1 for descriptions of the materials required for constructing the HIT device. The clamped end of the spring should be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) from the edge of the board, and the free end should extend over the board by 3/4 inch (19 mm).....

Results

Figure 1: Diagram of the HIT device. (A) Illustration of the top view of the HIT device in the resting position. (B) Illustration of the side view of the HIT device. The spring is shown in the resting position (dark red) and.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Zinc plated compression spring	The Hillman Group	540189	9 7/8 in (length), 15/16 in (outer diameter), 0.12 in (wire size)
Wooden board			9 in (length), 6.5 in (width), 0.75 in (height)
Clamps	Sigma Electrical Manufacturing Corporation	49822	3.10 in (length), 0.68 in (width), 1.11 in (height), EMT Two Hole Straps, click on type for 1 inch steel EMT conduit
Loop half of self-adhesive velcro			3 in (length), (3/4 in width)
Polyurethane ice bucket cover	Fisher Scientific	02-591-45	9 1/8 in (length), 9 1/8 in (width), 1 1/4 in (height)
Plastic fly vials	Applied Scientific	AS-510	3 11/16 in (height), 1 1/16 in (inner diameter), 1 1/8 in (outer diameter)
Large cotton balls	Fisher Scientific	22-456-883
Paper protractor			10 in (diameter)