Intracranial Cannular Implantation in a Mouse to Deliver Therapeutic Agents to Brain Tumors

Begin with an anesthetized mouse with a brain tumor, secured on a stereotaxic apparatus, carrying a guide cannula.

Disinfect and then dissect the scalp. Remove the subcutaneous tissue to expose the skull.

Scratch the skull surface to make it uneven. Anchor the screws to support the cannula.

Drill a hole into the skull at a precise location to reach the tumor.

Descend the guide cannula through the hole to insert it into the tumor.

Apply an acrylic resin. The uneven skull surface provides a grip for the adhesive to secure the guide cannula.

Allow the mouse to recover.

Re-anesthetize and secure the mouse.

Take a treatment cannula attached to a syringe containing a therapeutic agent.

Position the treatment cannula over the guide cannula.

Inject the therapeutic agent and allow it to flow into the tumor.

To begin, place the anesthetized mouse with a shaved head on the operation table, and gently open the bottom of the stereotactic arm using a spatula. Insert the cannula with forceps and secure it by tightening the screw on the arm until 1/2 to 2/3 of the white plastic portion and 5 millimeters of the cannula protrude from the bottom of the opening.

Insert and secure the mouse's top teeth