S.E. Lutz is supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, under Grant KL2TR002002 and University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine start-up funds. Simon Alford is supported by RO1 MH084874. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The authors thank Dritan Agalliu in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center for the Tg eGFP:Claudin-5 mice, scientific discussions, and insights into the development of the surgical protocol and imaging applications. The authors thank Sunil P. Gandhi in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at University of California, Irvine for designing the first prototype of the stereotactic apparatus and animal temperature controller, discussion of the surgical protocol, and training in two-photon microscopy. The authors also thank Steve Pickens (W. Nuhsbaum, Inc.) for assistance in customizing the surgical stereomicroscope, and Ron Lipinski (Whale Manufacturing) for machining stereotactic parts.

All experiments follow the University of Illinois, Chicago Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols. This is a terminal procedure.&#160;
1. Reagent Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF) to contain 125 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 10 mM Glucose, 10 mM HEPES, 2 mM MgCl2&#183;6H2O, 2 mM CaCl2&#183;2H2O in ddH2O. Sterile filter and freeze in individual-use aliquots. Warm aCSF in a water bath to 39 &#176;C b...

<ol>
	<li>Weinger, J. G., 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=Two-photon+imaging+of+cellular+dynamics+in+the+mouse+spinal+cord.">Two-photon imaging of cellular dynamics in the mouse spinal cord.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (96), (2015).</li><li>Davalos, D., Akassoglou, K. <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+the+mouse+spinal+cord+using+two-photon+microscopy.">In vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord using two-photon microscopy.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (59), (2012).</li><li>Farrar, M. J., Schaffer, C. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+procedure+for+implanting+a+spinal+chamber+for+longitudinal+in+vivo+imaging+of+the+mouse+spinal+cord.">A procedure for implanting a spinal chamber for longitudinal in vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (94), (2014).</li><li>Fenrich, K. K., Weber, P., Rougon, G., Debarbieux, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Implanting+glass+spinal+cord+windows+in+adult+mice+with+experimental+autoimmune+encephalomyelitis.">Implanting glass spinal cord windows in adult mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (82), e50826 (2013).</li><li>Figley, S. 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=A+spinal+cord+window+chamber+model+for+in+vivo+longitudinal+multimodal+optical+and+acoustic+imaging+in+a+murine+model.">A spinal cord window chamber model for in vivo longitudinal multimodal optical and acoustic imaging in a murine model.</a> PLOS ONE. 8 (3), e58081 (2013).</li><li>Helmchen, F., Denk, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Deep+tissue+two-photon+microscopy.">Deep tissue two-photon microscopy.</a> Nature Methods. 2 (12), 932-940 (2005).</li><li>Liebner, S., 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=Functional+morphology+of+the+blood-brain+barrier+in+health+and+disease.">Functional morphology of the blood-brain barrier in health and disease.</a> Acta Neuropathologica. 135 (3), 311-336 (2018).</li><li>Shen, L., Weber, C. R., Turner, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+tight+junction+protein+complex+undergoes+rapid+and+continuous+molecular+remodeling+at+steady+state.">The tight junction protein complex undergoes rapid and continuous molecular remodeling at steady state.</a> Journal of Cell Biology. 181 (4), 683-695 (2008).</li><li>Knowland, D., 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=Stepwise+recruitment+of+transcellular+and+paracellular+pathways+underlies+blood-brain+barrier+breakdown+in+stroke.">Stepwise recruitment of transcellular and paracellular pathways underlies blood-brain barrier breakdown in stroke.</a> Neuron. 82, 1-15 (2014).</li><li>Lutz, S. E., 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=Caveolin1+Is+Required+for+Th1+Cell+Infiltration,+but+Not+Tight+Junction+Remodeling,+at+the+Blood-Brain+Barrier+in+Autoimmune+Neuroinflammation.">Caveolin1 Is Required for Th1 Cell Infiltration, but Not Tight Junction Remodeling, at the Blood-Brain Barrier in Autoimmune Neuroinflammation.</a> Cell Reports. 21 (8), 2104-2117 (2017).</li><li>Harrison, 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=Vertebral+landmarks+for+the+identification+of+spinal+cord+segments+in+the+mouse.">Vertebral landmarks for the identification of spinal cord segments in the mouse.</a> Neuroimage. 68, 22-29 (2013).</li><li>Cupido, A., Catalin, B., Steffens, H., Kirchhoff, F., Bakota, L., Brandt, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Laser Scanning Microscopy and Quantitative Image Analysis of Neuronal Tissue. , 37-50 (2014).</li><li>Sekiguchi, K. 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=Imaging+large-scale+cellular+activity+in+spinal+cord+of+freely+behaving+mice.">Imaging large-scale cellular activity in spinal cord of freely behaving mice.</a> Nature Communications. 7, 11450 (2016).</li><li>Nadrigny, F., Le Meur, K., Schomburg, E. D., Safavi-Abbasi, S., Dibaj, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two-photon+laser-scanning+microscopy+for+single+and+repetitive+imaging+of+dorsal+and+lateral+spinal+white+matter+in+vivo.">Two-photon laser-scanning microscopy for single and repetitive imaging of dorsal and lateral spinal white matter in vivo.</a> Physiological Research. 66 (3), 531-537 (2017).</li><li>Adelsperger, A. R., Bigiarelli-Nogas, K. J., Toore, I., Goergen, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+a+Low-flow+Digital+Anesthesia+System+for+Mice+and+Rats.">Use of a Low-flow Digital Anesthesia System for Mice and Rats.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (115), (2016).</li><li>Damen, F. W., Adelsperger, A. R., Wilson, K. E., Goergen, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+Traditional+and+Integrated+Digital+Anesthetic+Vaporizers.">Comparison of Traditional and Integrated Digital Anesthetic Vaporizers.</a> Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 54 (6), 756-762 (2015).</li><li>Miyamoto, K., 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=Selective+COX-2+inhibitor+celecoxib+prevents+experimental+autoimmune+encephalomyelitis+through+COX-2-independent+pathway.">Selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib prevents experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through COX-2-independent pathway.</a> Brain. 129 (Pt 8), 1984-1992 (2006).</li><li>Muthian, G., 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=COX-2+inhibitors+modulate+IL-12+signaling+through+JAK-STAT+pathway+leading+to+Th1+response+in+experimental+allergic+encephalomyelitis.">COX-2 inhibitors modulate IL-12 signaling through JAK-STAT pathway leading to Th1 response in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.</a> Journal of Clinical Immunology. 26 (1), 73-85 (2006).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The method described here allows for stable imaging of the spinal cord in mice through a glass window. This method has been applied to assess BBB remodeling in transgenic eGFP:Claudin5+/- mice that express a fluorescent BBB tight junction protein, but it could be applied equally well for studies of any fluorescent proteins or cells in the spinal cord.
Multiple methods for laminectomy and spinal cord stabilization have been developed. All protocols address stabilizing the spinal cord during ima...

Transgenic animal models expressing fluorescent proteins, when combined with intravital microscopy, provide a powerful platform for addressing biology and pathophysiology. To apply these techniques to the spinal cord, specialized protocols are required to prepare the spinal cord for imaging. One such strategy is to conduct a laminectomy and spinal cord window implantation. The key features of an ideal laminectomy protocol for microscopy include preservation of native tissue structure and function, stability of the imaging field, quick processing time, and reproducibility of results. A particular challenge is to stabilize the imaging field against the motion induced by respiration and heartbeat. Multiple ex vivo and in vivo strategies have been reported to achieve these goals1,2,3,4,5. Most in vivo methods involve clamping the sides of the spinal column2,4 and is often followed by implanting a rigid metal apparatus3,4 for stability during surgery and downstream imaging applications. Clamping the spinal column can potentially compromise blood flow and induce blood-brain barrier (BBB) protein remodeling.
The purpose of this method is to make the intact spinal cord available for optical imaging in the living mouse while minimizing the invasiveness of the protocol and improving outcomes. We describe a single laminectomy and cover-glass implantation procedure paired with a minimally invasive oval plastic 3D-printed backplate that still achieves robust mechanical stability. The backplate is directly adhered to the anterior and posterior vertebral spines with dental cement. The backplate is equipped with lateral extension arms with screw holes that rigidly attach to the microscope stage via a metal arm. This effectively anchors the intact anterior and posterior vertebra to the microscope stage, providing mechanical resistance to the motion artifact that would otherwise be introduced by respiration and heartbeat. The method has been optimized for laminectomy of a single vertebra at thoracic level 12, omitting the clamps utilized in alternative strategies for stability during in vivo imaging. The procedure is rapid, taking approximately 30 min per mouse.
This protocol can be used to study disease mechanisms of the BBB. The BBB is a dynamic microvascular system comprised of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, pericytes, and astrocyte foot processes that provide a highly selective environment for the central nervous system (CNS). Representative data depict the application of this protocol in transgenic mice engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP):Claudin-5, a BBB tight junction protein. The provided backplate printing files can also be customized for alternative applications.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>3D printer</td>
			<td>Raise3D</td>
			<td>Pro2</td>
			<td>For printing backplates</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLA 3D printing filament</td>
			<td>Inland</td>
			<td>PLA+-175-B</td>
			<td>Black plastic 3D printing material</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3D CAD software</td>
			<td>Dassault Systemes</td>
			<td>Solidworks software</td>
			<td>used to design 3D shapes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3D printer software</td>
			<td>Raise3D</td>
			<td>Ideamaker software</td>
			<td>software used to interface with the 3D printer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3D printed oval backplate</td>
			<td>custom</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Stabilizing imaging field</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical dissecting microscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>M205 C</td>
			<td>Equipped with Leica FusionOptics, Planapo 0.63x M-series objective, and gliding stage</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscope camera</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>MC170</td>
			<td>HD color camera for visualizing surgical field</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gliding stage</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>10446301</td>
			<td>The gliding stage is constructed of two metal plates. The base plate is fixed. The upper plate slides on greased interface to allow rotational and linear movement.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical station and stabilization fork</td>
			<td>Whale Manufactoring</td>
			<td>custom</td>
			<td>Laminectomy</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SomnoSuite low-flow isoflurane delivery unit</td>
			<td>Kent Scientific</td>
			<td>SS-01</td>
			<td>Surgical anesthesia administration with integrated digitial vaporizer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel 1.5 inch mounting post</td>
			<td>ThorLabs</td>
			<td>P50/M</td>
			<td>For mounting surgical station onto optical table for two-photon imaging</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Counterbored Clamping Fork for 1.5&#34; mounting Post</td>
			<td>ThorLabs</td>
			<td>PF175</td>
			<td>For stabilizing surgical station mount onto optical table for two-photon imaging</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ideal bone microdrill</td>
			<td>Harvard apparatus</td>
			<td>72-6065</td>
			<td>Thinning bone for laminectomy</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water bath</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>15-462-10</td>
			<td>Warming saline</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cautery gun</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18010-00</td>
			<td>Cauterizing minor bleeds</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heating pad</td>
			<td>Benchmark</td>
			<td>BF11222</td>
			<td>1.9&#8221; x 4.5&#8221; silicone heater with 20&#8221; Teflon leads, 10W, 5V</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>K type thermocoupled rectal probe</td>
			<td>Physitemp</td>
			<td>RET3</td>
			<td>Measuring mouse body temperature</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>petroleum jelly</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>8009-03-8</td>
			<td>Lubricating rectal probe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Feedback-regulated thermal controller</td>
			<td>custom</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>Commercially available alternatives include the Physitemp TCAT series</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PVA Surgical eye spears</td>
			<td>Beaver-visitec international</td>
			<td>40400-8</td>
			<td>Absorbing blood</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electric trimmer</td>
			<td>Wahl</td>
			<td>41590-0438</td>
			<td>Trimming mouse fur</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Blade, #11</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>14002-14</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps, #5</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11254-20</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps, #4</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>14002-14</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Titatnium toothed forceps</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>555047FT</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Titanium Iris scissors</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>555562S</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vetbond tissue adhesive</td>
			<td>3M</td>
			<td>084-1469SB</td>
			<td>Preparing tissue surface for dental acrylic</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ceramic mixing tray</td>
			<td>Jack Richeson</td>
			<td>420716</td>
			<td>Mixing dental acrylic agent with accelerant</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Orthojet dental acrylic</td>
			<td>Lang Dental</td>
			<td>1520BLK, 1503BLK</td>
			<td>Permanently bonding backplate to tissue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small round cover glass, #1 thickness, 3 mm</td>
			<td>Harvard apparatus</td>
			<td>64-0720</td>
			<td>optical window</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>7647-14-5</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KCl</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>7447-40-7</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>50-99-7</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEPES</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>7365-45-9</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgCl2&#183;6H2O</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>7791-18-6</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CaCl2&#183;2H2O</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>10035-04-8</td>
			<td>For aCSF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carprofen</td>
			<td>Rimadyl</td>
			<td>QM01AE91</td>
			<td>Analgesia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bacteriostatic water</td>
			<td>Henry Schein</td>
			<td>2587428</td>
			<td>Diluent for carprofen</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane</td>
			<td>Henry Schein</td>
			<td>11695-6776-2</td>
			<td>Anesthesia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lactated ringer solution</td>
			<td>Baxter</td>
			<td>0338-0117-04</td>
			<td>Hydration for mouse</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agarose High EEO</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>A9793</td>
			<td>gel point 34-37 degrees C</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Opthalmic lubricating ointment</td>
			<td>Akwa Tears</td>
			<td>68788-0697</td>
			<td>Prevent corneal drying</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MOM Two-Photon Microscope</td>
			<td>Sutter</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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.

Implanted glass windows and intravital two-photon microscopy provides a useful tool for assessing dynamic changes in CNS proteins. The functional integrity of the BBB is influenced by the expression, subcellular localization, and turnover rates of tight junction proteins7. Previous studies have demonstrated that tight junction proteins undergo rapid and dynamic remodeling at steady state8. The currently described laminectomy and glass window...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Laminectomy and Spinal Cord Window Implantation in the Mouse at JoVE.com

Laminectomy and Spinal Cord Window Implantation in the Mouse

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 ...

This method enables the examination of protein dynamics in vivo within the intact central nervous system to address questions in neuroscience and immunology. The main advantages of this procedure are an excellent motion stability for image acquisition, brief surgical time, reduced operator exposure to gaseous anesthesia, and inexpensive customizable backplates. Visual demonstration of this method is critical as it is difficult to remove the bone without damaging the closely underlying nervous system tissue during the laminectomy steps of the procedure.Before beginning the procedure, use 3D computer aided design software to create a model to the indicated dimensions. So we've got an object, which is the three dimensional object, that that's what we can start with. What I can then do is we can put settings on that for the printing version.So if I open Edit this, go into Advanced, open a window that enables me to look at all of these settings. Set the nozzle temperature to 205 degree Celsius, the bed temperature to 45 degrees Celsius, and the printing speed to 45 millimeters per second on a 3D printer. Use a 0.4 millimeter hot ent nozzle and a 0.2 millimeter layer height to print the back plates.Then assess the printed back plates visually for their structural integrity. Gross structural failures indicate printing defects. When the back plates are ready, place the head of an eight to 12 week old anesthetized mouse on a heat pad between the ear bars of a surgical restrainer and apply ointment to the animal's eyes.After confirming a lack of response to toe pinch, use a number 11 blade to make a 1.5 centimeter rostral to caudal midline incision over the lower thoracic upper lumbar region and separate the skin from the peritoneum. Use forceps to peel back any remaining transparent connective tissue under the skin to expose the superficial musculature. Displace the muscles with a foam surgical spear along with the remaining deeper muscular of the target vertebra.To create a seat for the back plate, clear the muscle from the posterior aspect of thoracic 11 and the anterior aspect of thoracic 13. Using forceps to remove the remaining muscle from the tendons as necessary. When all of the muscle has been removed, carefully cut the tendons with forceps until sufficient space for visualizing and manipulating the spinal cord is achieved.Confirm that the dura mater of the intervertebral space, the semitransparent laminar bone, the central superficial blood vessel under the bone, and the anterior radiating artery are clearly visible. Wet the region with warm artificial cerebral spinal fluid and use a micro-drill to thin the laminar bone using straight strokes parallel to the long axis of the spinal cord. Gently grasping the superficial spinous process with forceps, lift the vertebra.The bone should lift away easily. Use number four forceps to clear away any bone shards, controlling any bleeding with a surgical spear and gentle steady pressure as necessary. Then rinse the tissue with warm artificial cerebral spinal fluid.For cover glass implantation, gently apply a three millimeter borosilicate cover glass to the exposed cord. Use a small spatula to apply 39 degree Celsius warmed 2%agarose to the edge of the glass and allow capillary action to draw the agarose under the cover glass surface. Apply tissue adhesive to the exposed bony articular processes of the intact adjacent vertebra at the thoracic level 11 and 13 vertebral spines.Apply additional tissue adhesive in a ring around the laminectomy site over the adjacent tendon and the transverse process. Next, use a new spatula to apply dental cement mixed with accelerant onto the tissue adhesive layer and place a back plate onto the surgical field centered over the cover glass window. Applying multiple thin layers of dental cement results in a stronger back plate adhesion, but be sure to place the back plate quickly before the dental cement starts to dry.After allowing the dental cement to cure for 10 minutes, fill in the interior base and underside of the back place with additional adhesive. Applying the dental cement in thin layers can help reduce the risk of cement spreading to the cover glass and agarose, which can compromise the entire protocol. When the dental cement has dried, apply a forked back plate holder to the appropriate position over the window and screw the back plate into the back plate holder.Then apply saline to the back plate to test for leakage. The animal and the surgical platform can then be transferred to the optical table of a two photon microscope for imaging through the cover glass window. In this representative experiment, EGFP positive claudin-5 was visualized within the fluorescently labeled tight junctions throughout a vascular plexus.The clear delineation of the tight junction structures in the Z projection indicates that minimal XY image displacement is produced after a successful laminectomy, window placement, and back plate implantation. While attempting this procedure it's important to remember that this microsurgery is difficult and may take time to master. However once mastered, this surgery can be performed in approximately 30 minutes.Following this procedure, other methods, like two photon microscopy and in vivo imaging, can be performed to answer additional questions about neurovascular remodeling and other disease processes involving the spinal cord.

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JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

11.6K visualizações.  University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Este método permite o exame da dinâmica proteica in vivo dentro do sistema nervoso central intacto para abordar questões em neurociência e imunologia. As principais vantagens deste procedimento são uma excelente estabilidade de movimento para aquisição de imagens, breve tempo cirúrgico, redução da exposição do operador à anestesia gasosa e backplates personalizáveis baratos. A demonstração visual deste método é fundamental, pois é difícil remover o osso sem danificar o tec...