Name: Video: Cervical Spinal Cord Exposure and Epidural Placement of an Optoelectronic Device in Long Evans Rats
Uploaded: 2024-07-12T14:40:00
Duration: 3 min 33 s
Description: 258 Views. Cervical Spinal Cord Exposure and Epidural Placement of an Optoelectronic Device in Long Evans Rats

cervical spinal cord exposure and epidural placement of an optoelectronic device in long evans rats

Spinal Cord Surgery and Optical Shank Implantation in Rodents

The spinal cord facilitates a range of essential central nervous system functions, from coordinating motor behaviors to regulating homeostatic processes such as respiration1,2. Elucidating the role of the sophisticated network of circuitry across the spinal cord requires interfaces, whether for electrical stimulation, recording, drug delivery, or optical stimulation to targeted areas3,4,5,6. Although devices have been developed to enable such interrogations7,8,9,10,11, specialized surgical techniques are required for their chronic implantation in the spinal cord4. In particular, the spinal cord and associated vertebrae have increased susceptibility to mechanical deformations caused by natural movements such as extension and bending8,12,13. These unique characteristics of the spinal cord make it intrinsically challenging to ensure that the implanted probes remain stable, functional, and secured at a specific segment over extended periods of time.
Herein, a surgical protocol is described for inserting and securing an optical shank in a targeted segment of the spinal cord (Figure 1A). Since interfacing with the cervical region in particular has been shown to introduce unique challenges9, the implantation steps are specifically demonstrated over the C5 cervical region. It is posited that the complexity of the cervical spine arises from its deeper positioning and the abundance of musculature, a characteristic not as prominent along the rest of the spinal cord. Regardless, the procedures outlined in this protocol are designed to be adaptable for surgeries across various spinal cord regions. Stepwise instructions are provided to locate and identify spinal cord segments using pronounced anatomical &#34;landmarks&#34; identifiable from over the skin (Figure 1B). The protocol then elucidates two techniques for surgical implantation: one tailored for probes that require direct contact with the spinal cord, and another for probes that may not require direct contact. The described steps are designed to be reproduced by any researcher with training in rodent survival surgery.
This protocol encompasses step-by-step instructions for the implantation of an optoelectronic device (18 mm x 13 mm) with an attached flexible optical shank over the C5 cervical level. The implantable device is secured subcutaneously caudal to C5 and consists of a microscale light-emitting diode (&#181;LED) indicator, which illuminates when spinal cord optical stimulation occurs, providing live feedback of device functionality. The effect of the implanted optical shank on the natural motor function was assessed on rodents who had received implants and was compared to rodents with sham surgeries. Results indicate that the probes do not adversely affect the natural hindlimb and forelimb function of the animal seven days post-implantation.

Author Spotlight: Innovative Methodology for Implanting and Securing Neural Probes in the Rodent Spinal Cord

Implantation of Optoelectronic Devices in the Rodent Spinal Cord

Cervical Spinal Cord Exposure and Epidural Placement of an Optoelectronic Device in Long Evans Rats

cervical-spinal-cord-exposure-epidural-placement-an-optoelectronic

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

258 Views. Cervical Spinal Cord Exposure and Epidural Placement of an Optoelectronic Device in Long Evans Rats

Video: Cervical Spinal Cord Exposure and Epidural Placement of an Optoelectronic Device in Long Evans Rats

Neuromodulation can provide diagnostic, modulatory, and therapeutic applications. While extensive work has been conducted in the brain, modulation of the spinal cord remains relatively unexplored. The inherently delicate and mobile spinal cord tissue imposes constraints that make the precise implantation of neural probes challenging. Despite recent advances in neuromodulation devices, particularly flexible bioelectronics, opportunities to expand their use in the spinal cord have been limited by the surgical complexities of device implantation. Here, we provide a series of surgical protocols tailored specifically for the implantation of a custom-made optoelectronic device that interfaces with the spinal cord in rodents. The steps to place and anchor an optical shank on a specific segment of the spinal cord via two different surgical implantation methods are detailed here. These methods are optimized for a diverse range of devices and applications, which may or may not require direct contact with the spinal cord for optical stimulation. To elucidate the methodology, the vertebral anatomy is referenced first to identify prominent landmarks before making a skin incision. The surgical steps to secure an optical shank over the cervical spine in rodents are demonstrated. Procedures are then outlined for securing the optoelectronic device connected to the optical shank in a subcutaneous space away from the spinal cord, minimizing unnecessary direct contact. Behavioral studies comparing animals receiving the implants to those undergoing sham surgeries indicate that the optical shanks did not adversely affect hindlimb or forelimb function seven days post-implantation. The present work broadens the neuromodulation toolkit for use in future studies aimed at investigating various spinal cord interventions.

This protocol details a surgical procedure for performing spinal cord surgery and for implanting and securing an optical shank over the spinal cord in rodents.

Neuromodulation can provide diagnostic, modulatory, and therapeutic applications. While extensive work has been conducted in the brain, modulation of the ...