Name: direct cannula implantation in the cisterna magna of pigs
Uploaded: 2021-06-09T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Cannula Implantation in the Cisterna Magna of Pigs at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Hj&#228;rnfonden, Wenner Gren Foundations, and the Crafoord foundation.

All procedures were carried out in accordance with the European directive 2010/63/EU and were approved by Malm&#246;-Lund Ethical committee on Animal Research (Dnr 5.8.18-05527/2019) and conducted according to the CODEX guidelines of the Swedish Research Council.
1. Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Tracer
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare artificial CSF (126 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM KCl, 1.25 mM NaH2PO4, 2 mM MgCl2, 2 mM CaCl2, 10 mM glucose, 26 mM NaHCO3; pH 7.4)</li>
	...

<ol>
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R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cannula+implantation+into+the+cisterna+magna+of+rodents.">Cannula implantation into the cisterna magna of rodents.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (135), e57378 (2018).</li><li>Ramos, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cisterna+magna+injection+in+rats+to+study+glymphatic+function.">Cisterna magna injection in rats to study glymphatic function.</a> Methods in Molecular Biology. 1938, (2019).</li><li>Sweeney, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=in+vivo+imaging+of+cerebrospinal+fluid+transport+through+the+intact+mouse+skull+using+fluorescence+macroscopy.">in vivo imaging of cerebrospinal fluid transport through the intact mouse skull using fluorescence macroscopy.</a> Journal of visualized experiments. (149), e59774 (2019).</li><li>Eide, P. K., Ringstad, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MRI+with+intrathecal+MRI+gadolinium+contrast+medium+administration:+A+possible+method+to+assess+glymphatic+function+in+human+brain.">MRI with intrathecal MRI gadolinium contrast medium administration: A possible method to assess glymphatic function in human brain.</a> Acta Radiologica Open. 4 (11), 205846011560963 (2015).</li><li>Ringstad, G., Vatnehol, S. A. S., Eide, P. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Glymphatic+MRI+in+idiopathic+normal+pressure+hydrocephalus.">Glymphatic MRI in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.</a> Brain. 140 (10), 2691-2705 (2017).</li><li>Kornum, B. R., Knudsen, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cognitive+testing+of+pigs+(Sus+scrofa)+in+translational+biobehavioral+research.">Cognitive testing of pigs (Sus scrofa) in translational biobehavioral research.</a> Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 35 (3), 437-451 (2011).</li><li>B&#232;chet, N. B., Shanbhag, N. C., Lundgaard, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Glymphatic+function+in+the+gyrencephalic+brain.">Glymphatic function in the gyrencephalic brain.</a> Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow &amp; Metabolism. , (2021).</li><li>Raghunandan, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bulk+flow+of+cerebrospinal+fluid+observed+in+periarterial+spaces+is+not+an+artifact+of+injection.">Bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid observed in periarterial spaces is not an artifact of injection.</a> bioRxiv. , (2020).</li><li>D'Angelo, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spinal+fluid+collection+technique+from+the+atlanto-occipital+space+in+pigs.">Spinal fluid collection technique from the atlanto-occipital space in pigs.</a> Acta Veterinaria Brno. 78 (2), 303-305 (2009).</li><li>Ma, Q., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapid+lymphatic+efflux+limits+cerebrospinal+fluid+flow+to+the+brain.">Rapid lymphatic efflux limits cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain.</a> Acta Neuropathologica. 137 (1), 151-165 (2019).</li><li>Hablitz, L. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+glymphatic+influx+is+correlated+with+high+EEG+delta+power+and+low+heart+rate+in+mice+under+anesthesia.">Increased glymphatic influx is correlated with high EEG delta power and low heart rate in mice under anesthesia.</a> Science Advances. 5 (2), 5447 (2019).</li><li>Mestre, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Flow+of+cerebrospinal+fluid+is+driven+by+arterial+pulsations+and+is+reduced+in+hypertension.">Flow of cerebrospinal fluid is driven by arterial pulsations and is reduced in hypertension.</a> Nature Communications. 9 (1), 4878 (2018).</li><li>Pleticha, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pig+lumbar+spine+anatomy+and+imaging-guided+lateral+lumbar+puncture:+A+new+large+animal+model+for+intrathecal+drug+delivery.">Pig lumbar spine anatomy and imaging-guided lateral lumbar puncture: A new large animal model for intrathecal drug delivery.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 216 (1), 10-15 (2013).</li></ol>

Herein, is described, a detailed protocol to perform the direct cannulation of the cisterna magna in pigs, including the necessary preparation, surgical procedure, tracer infusion and extraction of the brain. This requires someone with experience and certification for working with large animals. If carried out correctly, this allows for the delivery of desired molecules with surety directly into the CSF, after which a series of different advanced light imaging modalities can be used to explore CSF distribution and glymph...

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an ultrafiltrate of blood which is found within and around the central nervous system (CNS)1,2. Apart from giving buoyancy to the brain or absorbing damaging mechanical forces, CSF also plays a pivotal role in clearing metabolic waste from the CNS3. Waste clearance is facilitated by the recently characterized glymphatic system which permits the convective flow of CSF through the brain parenchyma via perivascular spaces (PVS), which encircle penetrating arteries3,4,5. This process has been shown to be dependent on aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel expressed primarily on the astrocytic endfeet, bound to the PVS4,6. The study of the glymphatic system is achieved by both in vivo and ex vivo imaging, using either advanced light microscopy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), following the introduction of a fluorescent/radioactive tracer or contrast agent into the CSF7,8,9,10,11.
An effective way to introduce a tracer into the CSF without incurring damage to the brain parenchyma is through cisterna magna cannulation (CMc)12,13. A large majority of all glymphatic studies, thus far have been carried out in rodents and avoided in higher mammals because of the invasiveness of CMc coupled to the practical simplicity of working with a small mammal. Additionally, the thin skulls of mice permit in vivo imaging without the need for a cranial window and subsequently allow for an uncomplicated brain extraction11,14. Experiments carried out in humans have yielded a valuable macroscopic in vivo data on the glymphatic function, but relied on intrathecal tracer injections in the distal lumbar spine and, furthermore, utilize MRI which does not yield sufficient resolution to capture the microanatomy the glymphatic system7,15,16. Understanding the architecture and extent of the glymphatic system in higher mammals is essential for its translation to humans. In order to facilitate glymphatic translation to humans, it is important to apply techniques that are carried out in rodents to higher mammals so as to allow for direct comparisons of the glymphatic system across species of increasing cognition and brain complexity17. Pig and human brains are gyrencephalic, possessing a folded neuroarchitecture, while rodent brains are lissencephalic, thereby having substantial difference among each other. In terms of the overall size, pig brains are, also, more comparable to humans, being 10-15 times smaller than the human brain, while mouse brains are 3,000 times smaller18. By better understanding the glymphatic system in large mammals, it may be possible to utilize the human glymphatic system for future therapeutic intervention in conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration. Direct CMc in pigs in vivo is a method that allows for the high-resolution light microscopy of the glymphatic system in a higher mammal. Furthermore, due to the size of the pigs used, it is possible to apply monitoring systems similar to those used in human surgeries making it feasible to tightly document and regulate vital functions in order to assess how these contribute to the glymphatic function.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.01% azide in PBS</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>S2002</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18G needle</td>
			<td>Mediq</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1ml Syringe</td>
			<td>FischerSci</td>
			<td>15849152</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20G cannula</td>
			<td>Mediq</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22G cannula</td>
			<td>Mediq</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4% paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>P6148</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anatomical forceps</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine serum albumin Alexa-Fluor 647 Conjugate</td>
			<td>ThermoFischer</td>
			<td>A34785</td>
			<td>2 vials (10mg)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CaCl2</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>C1016</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chisel</td>
			<td>ClasOhlson</td>
			<td>40-8870</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dental cement</td>
			<td>Agnthos</td>
			<td>7508</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>compact saw</td>
			<td>ClasOhlson</td>
			<td>40-9517</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>G8270</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hammer</td>
			<td>ClasOhlson</td>
			<td>40-7694</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Insta-Set CA Accelerator</td>
			<td>BSI-Inc</td>
			<td>BSI-151</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IV line TAP, 3-WAYS with 10cm extension</td>
			<td>Bbraun</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KCl</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>P9333</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Marker pen</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgCl2</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>M8266</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MilliQ water</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCL</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>S7653</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaH2PO4</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>S8282</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaHCO3</td>
			<td>Sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>S5761</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>No. 20 scalpel blade</td>
			<td>Agnthos</td>
			<td>BB520</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>No. 21 Scalpel blade</td>
			<td>Agnthos</td>
			<td>BB521</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>No. 4 Scalpel handle</td>
			<td>Agnthos</td>
			<td>10004-13</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Saline</td>
			<td>Mediq</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Salmon knife</td>
			<td>Fiskers</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Self-retaining retractors</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superglue</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical curved scissors</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical forceps</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical towel clamps</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

direct cannula implantation in the cisterna magna of pigs

The glymphatic system is a waste clearance system in the brain that relies on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in astrocyte-bound perivascular spaces and has been implicated in the clearance of neurotoxic peptides such as amyloid-beta. Impaired glymphatic function exacerbates disease pathology in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, which highlights the importance of understanding this clearance system. The glymphatic system is often studied by cisterna magna cannulations (CMc), where tracers are delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most studies, however, have been carried out in rodents. Here, we demonstrate an adaptation of the CMc technique in pigs. Using CMc in pigs, the glymphatic system can be studied at a high optical resolution in gyrencephalic brains and in doing so bridges the knowledge gap between rodent and human glymphatics.

Once the pig is unconscious, it is palpated, and its surface anatomy is marked, starting at the occipital crest (OC) and working towards the thoracic vertebrae (TV) and each ear base (EB). It is along these lines that the dermal incisions are made (Figure 1A). The three muscle layers including trapezius, semispinalis capitus biventer and semispinalis capitus complexus are resected and held open by two sets of self-retaining retractors to expose the cisterna magna (CM) (F...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Cannula Implantation in the Cisterna Magna of Pigs at JoVE.com

Direct Cannula Implantation in the Cisterna Magna of Pigs

This article presents a step-by-step protocol for the direct cannula implantation in the cisterna magna of pigs.

The glymphatic system is a waste clearance system in the brain that relies on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in astrocyte-bound perivascular spaces ...

This protocol is important as it allows for investigation of the glymphatic system in a large mammal, thereby bringing us closer to understanding the glymphatic system in humans. There are two advantages to this technique. Introduction of traces into the cisterna magna avoids any direct damage to the brain, which is in contrast to intraventricular injections.Secondly, this is a direct approach which allows immediate visualization of the cannulation and knowing whether or not it has been successful. Begin by placing the pig in a prone position. Palpate the back of its head and neck to locate and mark the occipital crest, the spine of the first thoracic vertebrae, and the base of each ear.Draw a straight line between the crest and the vertebrae along the longitudinal axis. Then following the base of the skull, draw two lines from the crest to the base of each ear. Carefully clamp the animal's tail and watch for a reflex to see if it is in a deep sleep.Begin by making a dermal incision along the longitudinal line down to the muscle using a scalpel with a number 21 blade, then extend two perpendicular incisions further along the shoulders, each 10 to 15 centimeters in length. Starting from the occipital crest, make dermal incisions along the line down to the base of each ear. Use anatomical forceps to grip the skin corners formed at the occipital crest, then run the scalpel blade lightly over the fascia to separate the skin from the underlying muscle.Resect the skin along each of the five incisions to visualize parts of the trapezius muscle. Use the scalpel to make a longitudinal incision approximately one centimeter deep where the trapezius comes together at the midline, then perform a blunt dissection along the longitudinal cut in the muscles using a combination of straight and curved surgical forceps, which will separate the bellies of the trapezius and underlying semispinalis capitis biventer muscle. Sever any persisting muscle fibers with a scalpel and continue to perform blunt dissection until the semispinalis capitis complexus becomes visible.Move along the posterior aspect of the skull and sever the origins of the trapezius and semispinalis capitis biventer muscles. To separate the two muscles longitudinally, use the surgical forceps to perform blunt dissection until the semispinalis capitis complexus is fully visible. Then use the self-retaining retractors to retract the trapezius and semispinalis capitis biventer muscles.Use the scalpel to make a one centimeter deep longitudinal incision where the bellies of the semispinalis capitis complexus come together at the midline. Perform a blunt dissection using surgical forceps working along the longitudinal cut between the muscle bellies until both the atlas and axis are palpable. Move along the posterior aspect of the skull, severing the origins of the semispinalis capitis complexus muscles.Use the scalpel and blunt dissection to separate the muscle longitudinally from the underlying vertebrae, then use another set of self-retaining retractors to retract the semispinalis capitis complexus muscles. Use a scalpel to carefully remove any remaining tissue overlying the region where the atlas meets the skull base. Place one arm onto the animal's neck and one finger at the juncture of the atlas and the skull, then simultaneously elevate the head and flex the neck while palpating with the finger to reveal the cisterna magna.Ensure that one person elevates and flexes the head and neck of the animal while the other palpates for the cisterna magna, making a note of its anatomical location. Introduce a 22 gauge cannula slowly and carefully into the cisterna magna through the dura at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis, then retract the needle from the cannula and place a cap on the lock. Start with applying super glue and an accelerator where the cannula enters the tissue, then apply the dental cement.Wait five minutes for the cement to harden. Remove the cap carefully from the cannula. Attach the cannula to the male end of the IV line tap with the tracer using a 10 centimeter extension.Inject the tracer slowly at a rate of 100 microliters per minute either by hand or using a micro infusion pump. Remove the IV line tap and replace it with the cap. Check if the tracer is visible pulsating at the base of the cannula.Then place sandbags under the neck of the animal to maintain some flexion. Release the head and leave the animal in a resting prone position. Release the self-retaining retractors and replace the muscles.Use the surgical towel clamps to bring the skin together over the muscles. First use gauze and then a blanket to cover the towel clamps and the incision to limit heat loss. Allow the tracer to circulate for the desired amount of time.Stitched macroscopic images of the brain's dorsal surface can provide detailed insights into the distribution patterns of the tracer across the sulci and fissures. Similar images from the brain's ventral and lateral surfaces can provide information about the tracer distribution in the temporal lobe and the lateral fissure. Images of the brain surface of higher magnification produced using a stereoscope can help visualize the tracer in the PVS along the arteries.Macroscopic coronal brain sections provide insight into the depth of tracer penetration in the interhemispheric fissure and subcortical tracer distribution and structure, such as the hippocampus and striatum. Immunohistochemical staining for AQP4, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and smooth muscle actin showed that the tracer localized within the PVS, as well as moved into the brain parenchyma. Astrocyte foot processes that form the outer surface of the PVS are identified using AQP4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining.The endothelial cells that form the inner surface of the PVS are stained using lectin and GLUT-1 stain. SMA staining identifies arteries and arterioles and can be used to show that PVS influx occurs along the arteries instead of veins, which constitutes the basic physiology of normal glymphatic function. Going forward, we hope to explore the glymphatic system at a high resolution in large mammal in the context of neuropathology such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.

direct-cannula-implantation-in-the-cisterna-magna-of-pigs

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Electrode Positioning and Montage in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that has been intensively investigated in the past decade as this method offers a non-invasive and safe alternative to change cortical excitability2. The effects of one session of tDCS can last for several minutes, and its effects depend on polarity of stimulation, such as that cathodal stimulation induces a decrease in cortical excitability, and anodal stimulation induces an increase in cortical excitability that may last beyond the duration of stimulation6. These effects have been explored in cognitive neuroscience and also clinically in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders &#x2013; especially when applied over several consecutive sessions4. One area that has been attracting attention of neuroscientists and clinicians is the use of tDCS for modulation of pain-related neural networks3,5. Modulation of two main cortical areas in pain research has been explored: primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex7. Due to the critical role of electrode montage, in this article, we show different alternatives for electrode placement for tDCS clinical trials on pain; discussing advantages and disadvantages of each method of stimulation.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an established technique to modulate cortical excitability1,2. It has been used as an investigative tool in neuroscience due to its effects on cortical plasticity, easy operation, and safe profile. One area that tDCS has been showing encouraging results is pain alleviation 3-5.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that has been intensively investigated in the past decade as this method offers a ...

Multimodal Imaging of Stem Cell Implantation in the Central Nervous System of Mice

During the past decade, stem cell transplantation has gained increasing interest as primary or secondary therapeutic modality for a variety of diseases, both in preclinical and clinical studies. However, to date results regarding functional outcome and/or tissue regeneration following stem cell transplantation are quite diverse. Generally, a clinical benefit is observed without profound understanding of the underlying mechanism(s)1. Therefore, multiple efforts have led to the development of different molecular imaging modalities to monitor stem cell grafting with the ultimate aim to accurately evaluate survival, fate and physiology of grafted stem cells and/or their micro-environment. Changes observed in one or more parameters determined by molecular imaging might be related to the observed clinical effect. In this context, our studies focus on the combined use of bioluminescence imaging (BLI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis to evaluate stem cell grafting.
BLI is commonly used to non-invasively perform cell tracking and monitor cell survival in time following transplantation2-7, based on a biochemical reaction where cells expressing the Luciferase-reporter gene are able to emit light following interaction with its substrate (e.g. D-luciferin)8, 9. MRI on the other hand is a non-invasive technique which is clinically applicable10 and can be used to precisely locate cellular grafts with very high resolution11-15, although its sensitivity highly depends on the contrast generated after cell labeling with an MRI contrast agent. Finally, post-mortem histological analysis is the method of choice to validate research results obtained with non-invasive techniques with highest resolution and sensitivity. Moreover end-point histological analysis allows us to perform detailed phenotypic analysis of grafted cells and/or the surrounding tissue, based on the use of fluorescent reporter proteins and/or direct cell labeling with specific antibodies.
In summary, we here visually demonstrate the complementarities of BLI, MRI and histology to unravel different stem cell- and/or environment-associated characteristics following stem cell grafting in the CNS of mice. As an example, bone marrow-derived stromal cells, genetically engineered to express the enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) and firefly Luciferase (fLuc), and labeled with blue fluorescent micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs), will be grafted in the CNS of immune-competent mice and outcome will be monitored by BLI, MRI and histology (Figure 1).

This article describes an optimized sequence of events for multimodal imaging of cellular grafts in rodent brain using: (i) in vivo bioluminescence and magnetic resonance imaging, and (ii) post mortem histological analysis. Combining these imaging modalities on a single animal allows cellular graft evaluation with high resolution, sensitivity and specificity.

During the past decade, stem cell transplantation has gained increasing interest as primary or secondary therapeutic modality for a variety of diseases, ...

Direct Intraventricular Delivery of Drugs to the Rodent Central Nervous System

Due to an inability to cross the blood brain barrier, certain drugs need to be directly delivered into the central nervous system (CNS). Our lab focuses specifically on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), though the techniques shown in the video here can also be used to deliver a plethora of other drugs to the CNS. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have the capability to knockdown sequence-specific targets 1 as well as shift isoform ratios of specific genes 2. To achieve widespread gene knockdown or splicing in the CNS of mice, the ASOs can be delivered into the brain using two separate routes of administration, both of which we demonstrate in the video.
The first uses Alzet osmotic pumps, connected to a catheter that is surgically implanted into the lateral ventricle. This allows the ASOs to be continuously infused into the CNS for a designated period of time. The second involves a single bolus injection of a high concentration of ASO into the right lateral ventricle. Both methods use the mouse cerebral ventricular system to deliver the ASO to the entire brain and spinal cord, though depending on the needs of the study, one method may be preferred over the other.

We describe a method to target drugs to the central nervous system by either implanting a catheter or performing a bolus injection into the right lateral ventricle in mice. We focus specifically on the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides. This technique is readily adaptable to other drugs and to rats.

Due to an inability to cross the blood brain barrier, certain drugs need to be directly delivered into the central nervous system (CNS). Our lab focuses ...

Cannula Implantation into the Cisterna Magna of Rodents

Cisterna magna cannulation (CMc) is a straightforward procedure that enables direct access to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without operative damage to the skull or the brain parenchyma. In anesthetized rodents, the exposure of the dura mater by blunt dissection of the neck muscles allows the insertion of a cannula into the cisterna magna (CM). The cannula, composed either by a fine beveled needle or borosilicate capillary, is attached via a polyethylene (PE) tube to a syringe. Using a syringe pump, molecules can then be injected at controlled rates directly into the CM, which is continuous with the subarachnoid space. From the subarachnoid space, we can trace CSF fluxes by convective flow into the perivascular space around penetrating arterioles, where solute exchange with the interstitial fluid (ISF) occurs. CMc can be performed for acute injections immediately following the surgery, or for chronic implantation, with later injection in anesthetized or awake, freely moving rodents. Quantitation of tracer distribution in the brain parenchyma can be performed by epifluorescence, 2-photon microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), depending on the physico-chemical properties of the injected molecules. Thus, CMc in conjunction with various imaging techniques offers a powerful tool for assessment of the glymphatic system and CSF dynamics and function. Furthermore, CMc can be utilized as a conduit for fast, brain-wide delivery of signaling molecules and metabolic substrates that could not otherwise cross the blood brain barrier (BBB).

Here we describe a protocol to perform cisterna magna cannulation (CMc), a minimally invasive way to deliver tracers, substrates and signaling molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Combined with different imaging modalities, CMc enables glymphatic system and CSF dynamics assessment, as well as brain-wide delivery of various compounds.

Cisterna magna cannulation (CMc) is a straightforward procedure that enables direct access to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without operative damage to ...

Laminectomy and Spinal Cord Window Implantation in the Mouse

This protocol describes a method for spinal cord laminectomy and glass window implantation for in vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord. An integrated digital vaporizer is utilized to achieve a stable plane of anesthesia at a low-flow rate of isoflurane. A single vertebral spine is removed, and a commercially available cover-glass is overlaid on a thin agarose bed. A 3D-printed plastic backplate is then affixed to the adjacent vertebral spines using tissue adhesive and dental cement. A stabilization platform is used to reduce motion artifact from respiration and heartbeat. This rapid and clamp-free method is well-suited for acute multi-photon fluorescence microscopy. Representative data are included for an application of this technique to two-photon microscopy of the spinal cord vasculature in transgenic mice expressing eGFP:Claudin-5 &#8212; a tight junction protein.

This protocol describes implantation of a glass window onto the spinal cord of a mouse to facilitate visualization by intravital microscopy.

This protocol describes a method for spinal cord laminectomy and glass window implantation for in vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord. An integrated ...

Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset

Electrocorticography (ECoG) allows the monitoring of electrical field potentials from the cerebral cortex with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent development of thin, flexible ECoG electrodes has enabled conduction of stable recordings of large-scale cortical activity. We have developed a whole-cortical ECoG array for the common marmoset. The array continuously covers almost the entire lateral surface of cortical hemisphere, from the occipital pole to the temporal and frontal poles, and it captures whole-cortical neural activity in one shot. This protocol describes a chronic implantation procedure of the array in the epidural space of the marmoset brain. Marmosets have two advantages regarding ECoG recordings, one being the homologous organization of anatomical structures in humans and macaques, including frontal, parietal, and temporal complexes. The other advantage is that the marmoset brain is lissencephalic and contains a large number of complexes, which are more difficult to access in macaques with ECoG, that are exposed to the brain surface.These features allow direct access to most cortical areas beneath the surface of the brain. This system provides an opportunity to investigate global cortical information processing with high resolutions at a sub-millisecond order in time and millimeter order in space.

We have developed a whole-cortical electrocorticographic array for the common marmoset that continuously covers almost the entire lateral surface of cortex, from the occipital pole to the temporal and frontal poles. This protocol describes a chronic implantation procedure of the array in the epidural space of the marmoset brain.

Electrocorticography (ECoG) allows the monitoring of electrical field potentials from the cerebral cortex with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent ...

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Among strokes, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) consecutive to the rupture of a cerebral arterial aneurysm represents 5-9% but is responsible for about 30% of the total stroke-related mortality with an important morbidity in terms of neurological outcome. A delayed cerebral vasospasm (CVS) may occur most often in association with a delayed cerebral ischemia. Different animal models of SAH are now being used including endovascular perforation and direct injection of blood into the cisterna magna or even the prechiasmatic cistern, each exhibiting distinct advantages and disadvantages. In this article, a standardized mouse model of SAH by double direct injection of determined volumes of autologous whole blood into the cisterna magna is presented. Briefly, mice were weighed and then anesthetized by isoflurane inhalation. Then, the animal was placed in a reclining position on a heated blanket maintaining a rectal temperature of 37 &#176;C and positioned in a stereotactic frame with a cervical bend of about 30&#176;. Once in place, the tip of an elongated glass micropipette filled with the homologous arterial blood taken from carotid artery of another mouse of the same age and gender (C57Bl/6J) was positioned at a right angle in contact with the atlanto-occipital membrane by means of a micromanipulator. Then 60 &#181;L of blood was injected in the cisterna magna followed by a 30&#176; downward tilt of the animal for 2 minutes. The second infusion of 30 &#181;L of blood into the cisterna magna was performed 24 h after the first one. The individual follow-up of each animal is carried out daily (careful evaluation of weight and well-being). This procedure allows a predictable and highly reproducible distribution of blood, likely accompanied by intracranial pressure elevation that can be mimicked by an equivalent injection of an artificial cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and represents an acute to mild-model of SAH inducing low mortality.

We described in this protocol a standardized subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) mouse model by a double injection of autologous whole-blood into the cisterna magna. The high degree of standardization of the double-injection procedure represents a middle-to-acute model of SAH with relative safety regarding mortality.

Among strokes, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) consecutive to the rupture of a cerebral arterial aneurysm represents 5-9% but is responsible for about 30% ...

Stereotaxic Surgical Approach to Microinject the Caudal Brainstem and Upper Cervical Spinal Cord via the Cisterna Magna in Mice

Stereotaxic surgery to target brain sites in mice is commonly guided by skull landmarks. Access is then obtained via burr holes drilled through the skull. This standard approach can be challenging for targets in the caudal brainstem and upper cervical cord due to specific anatomical challenges as these sites are remote from skull landmarks, leading to imprecision. Here we outline an alternative stereotaxic approach via the cisterna magna that has been used to target discrete regions of interest in the caudal brainstem and upper cervical cord. The cisterna magna extends from the occipital bone to the atlas (i.e., the second vertebral bone), is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, and is covered by dura mater. This approach provides a reproducible route of access to select central nervous system (CNS) structures that are otherwise hard to reach due to anatomical barriers. Furthermore, it allows for direct visualization of brainstem landmarks in close proximity to the target sites, increasing accuracy when delivering small injection volumes to restricted regions of interest in the caudal brainstem and upper cervical cord. Finally, this approach provides an opportunity to avoid the cerebellum, which can be important for motor and sensorimotor studies.

Stereotaxic Surgical Approach to Microinject the Caudal Brainstem and Upper Cervical Spinal Cord via the Cisterna Magna in Mice

Stereotaxic surgery to target brain sites in mice commonly involves access through the skull bones and is guided by skull landmarks. Here we outline an alternative stereotaxic approach to target the caudal brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord via the cisterna magna that relies on direct visualization of brainstem landmarks.

Stereotaxic surgery to target brain sites in mice is commonly guided by skull landmarks. Access is then obtained via burr holes drilled through the skull. ...

Pupillometry to Assess Auditory Sensation in Guinea Pigs

Noise exposure is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Animal models of noise-induced hearing loss have generated mechanistic insight into the underlying anatomical and physiological pathologies of hearing loss. However, relating behavioral deficits observed in humans with hearing loss to behavioral deficits in animal models remains challenging. Here, pupillometry is proposed as a method that will enable the direct comparison of animal and human behavioral data. The method is based on a modified oddball paradigm - habituating the subject to the repeated presentation of a stimulus and intermittently presenting a deviant stimulus that varies in some parametric fashion from the repeated stimulus. The fundamental premise is that if the change between the repeated and deviant stimulus is detected by the subject, it will trigger a pupil dilation response that is larger than that elicited by the repeated stimulus. This approach is demonstrated using a vocalization categorization task in guinea pigs, an animal model widely used in auditory research, including in hearing loss studies. By presenting vocalizations from one vocalization category as standard stimuli and a second category as oddball stimuli embedded in noise at various signal-to-noise ratios, it is demonstrated that the magnitude of pupil dilation in response to the oddball category varies monotonically with the signal-to-noise ratio. Growth curve analyses can then be used to characterize the time course and statistical significance of these pupil dilation responses. In this protocol, detailed procedures for acclimating guinea pigs to the setup, conducting pupillometry, and evaluating/analyzing data are described. Although this technique is demonstrated in normal-hearing guinea pigs in this protocol, the method may be used to assess the sensory effects of various forms of hearing loss within each subject. These effects may then be correlated with concurrent electrophysiological measures and post-hoc anatomical observations.

Pupillometry, a simple and non-invasive technique, is proposed as a method to determine hearing-in-noise thresholds in normal hearing animals and animal models of various auditory pathologies.

Noise exposure is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Animal models of noise-induced hearing loss have generated mechanistic insight into the ...

Surgical Implantation of the Micro-Drive on the Mouse Skull

After preparing the mouse for surgery and exposing the skull, place the bone screws in the extreme lateral, rostral or caudal portions of the skull where the bone is thickest and the bone screws are sufficiently far away from the micro drive implant. Use a scalpel blade or drill bit to score the skull near the bone screw hole locations, providing a rough surface for the liquid cyanoacrylate to bind. Then thread each bone screw into place, careful not to pierce the underlying dura.Using a sterile 30-gauge needle, apply liquid cyanoacrylate around each bone screw, thickening the skull where the bone screws have been attached. Ensure that no cyanoacrylate enters the exposed dura above the recording sites.