Controlled Infusion of Aβ Peptide-Specific Antibodies and Aβ Oligomers into the Rat Hippocampus

Take an awake rat with two guide cannulae implanted bilaterally into the hippocampus.

The cannulae are connected to subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps containing amyloid-beta or Aβ-specific and control antibodies, respectively.

A high antibody concentration within the pump induces water diffusion from the surrounding tissue through its outer semipermeable membrane, expanding the osmotic layer.

This expansion compresses the antibody reservoir, facilitating controlled antibody release.

Attach two internal cannulae to sterile-water-filled catheters connected to an infusion pump.

Fill the cannulae with water.

Next, aspirate a small volume of air, creating a bubble.

Now, fill the cannulae with neurotoxic Aβ oligomers, soluble aggregates of Aβ peptides.

Insert the internal cannulae into the guide cannulae. Start the pump for a controlled delivery of the oligomers, using the air bubble to prevent backflow and track the infusion rate.

Administer repeated oligomer injections for the required duration.

The model is ready for studying Aβ oligomer-antibody interactions.