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Abstract

Neuroscience

Laminectomy and Spinal Cord Window Implantation in the Mouse

Published: October 23rd, 2019

DOI:

10.3791/58330

1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 2Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

Abstract

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 — a tight junction protein.

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Keywords Laminectomy

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