Spinal Cord Extraction: A Protocol to Isolate Murine Spinal Cord for In Vitro Studies

For spinal cord extraction, begin with a euthanized mouse in the prone position. Spray ethanol to prevent any potential contamination from fur.

Cut through the midline from the head to the tail and open the skin to reveal the underlying tissue. Examine the mouse’s skull to locate the craniocervical junction that connects the skull to the cervical spine.

Next, incise the craniocervical junction perpendicularly to sever the connection between the head and neck. Dissect the spine till the fifth lumbar vertebra. Subsequently, cut the spine at the fifth lumbar vertebra to sever the connection from the lower vertebral levels.

Now, turn the mouse to the supine position. Slit the peritoneum and the chest wall to expose both the abdominal and thoracic cavity. Remove the peritoneal and retroperitoneal organs to access the vertebral column.

Cut the ribs to separate the vertebral column from the rest of the body. Last, rinse the isolated spinal cord with a cold saline solution to wash away any blood contaminants.