Name: exposure of the pig cns for histological analysis: a manual for decapitation, skull opening, and brain removal
Uploaded: 2017-04-13T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Exposure of the Pig CNS for Histological Analysis: A Manual for Decapitation, Skull Opening, and Brain Removal at JoVE.com

The authors acknowledge with gratitude the skillful assistance of Mrs. Trine W. Mikkelsen, Mrs. Lise M. Fitting, and the staff at P&#229;skeh&#248;jgaard. The Danish Medical Research Council, the Lundbeck Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation financially supported the study.

Animal anesthesia and euthanesia was performed in accordance with &#34;Principles of laboratory animal care&#34; (NIH publication No. 86-23, revised 1985) and approved by the Danish Council for Animal Research Ethics.
1. Instruments
<ol>
	<li>Collect the instruments presented in the video and listed in the Table of Materials.</li>
</ol>
2. Decapitation
NOTE: Anesthesia was induced by an intramuscular injection of 5 mL of mida...

<ol>
	<li>Lind, M. N., Moustgaard, A., Jelsing, J., Vajta, G., Cumming, P., Hansen, A. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+pigs+in+neuroscience:+Modeling+brain+disorders.">The use of pigs in neuroscience: Modeling brain disorders.</a> Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 31, 728-751 (2007).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., 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=Neuromodulation+in+a+minipig+model+of+Parkinson+disease.">Neuromodulation in a minipig model of Parkinson disease.</a> British J Neurosurg. 22 (Suppl. 1), S9-S12 (2008).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., Cancian, G., Glud, A. N., Ettrup, K. S., &#216;stergaard, L., S&#248;rensen, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MRI-guided+stereotaxic+targeting+in+pigs+based+on+a+stereotaxic+localizer+box+fitted+with+an+isocentric+frame+and+use+of+SurgiPlan+computer-planning+software.">MRI-guided stereotaxic targeting in pigs based on a stereotaxic localizer box fitted with an isocentric frame and use of SurgiPlan computer-planning software.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 183 (2), 119-126 (2009).</li><li>Sauleau, P., Lapouble, E., Val-Laillet, D., Malbert, C. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+pig+model+in+brain+imaging+and+neurosurgery.">The pig model in brain imaging and neurosurgery.</a> Animal. 3 (8), 1138-1151 (2009).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., 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=Safety+and+function+of+a+new+clinical+intracerebral+microinjection+instrument+for+stem+cells+and+therapeutics+examined+in+the+Göttingen+minipig.">Safety and function of a new clinical intracerebral microinjection instrument for stem cells and therapeutics examined in the Göttingen minipig.</a> Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 88 (1), 56-63 (2010).</li><li>Fjord-Larsen, L., 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=Long-term+delivery+of+nerve+growth+factor+by+encapsulated+cell+biodelivery+in+the+minipig+basal+forebrain.">Long-term delivery of nerve growth factor by encapsulated cell biodelivery in the minipig basal forebrain.</a> Mol Therapy. 18 (12), 2164-2172 (2010).</li><li>S&#248;rensen, J. C., 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=Development+of+neuromodulation+treatments+in+a+large+animal+model+-+Do+neurosurgeons+dream+of+electric+pigs?.">Development of neuromodulation treatments in a large animal model - Do neurosurgeons dream of electric pigs?.</a> Prog Brain Res. 194, 97-103 (2011).</li><li>Dolezalova, 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=Pig+models+of+neurodegenerative+disorders:+utilization+in+cell+replacement-based+preclinical+safety+and+efficacy+studies.">Pig models of neurodegenerative disorders: utilization in cell replacement-based preclinical safety and efficacy studies.</a> J Comp Neurol. 522 (12), 2784-2801 (2014).</li><li>Mikkelsen, M., Moller, A., Jensen, L. H., Pedersen, A., Harajehi, J. 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H., 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=The+DaNEX+study+of+embryonic+mesencephalic,+dopaminergic+tissue+grafted+to+a+minipig+model+of+Parkinson's+disease:+Preliminary+findings+of+effect+of+MPTP+poisoning+on+striatal+dopaminergic+markers.">The DaNEX study of embryonic mesencephalic, dopaminergic tissue grafted to a minipig model of Parkinson's disease: Preliminary findings of effect of MPTP poisoning on striatal dopaminergic markers.</a> Cell Transplant. 9 (2), 247-259 (2000).</li><li>Dalmose, A., Bjarkam, C. R., S&#248;rensen, J. C., J&#248;rgensen, T. M., Djurhuus, J. 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H., Cumming, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pig+brain+stereotaxic+standard+space:+Mapping+of+cerebral+blood+flow+normative+values+and+effect+of+MPTP-lesioning.">Pig brain stereotaxic standard space: Mapping of cerebral blood flow normative values and effect of MPTP-lesioning.</a> Brain Res Bull. 66 (1), 17-29 (2005).</li><li>Glud, A. N., 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=Direct+gene+transfer+in+the+minipig+CNS+using+stereotaxic+lentiviral+microinjections.">Direct gene transfer in the minipig CNS using stereotaxic lentiviral microinjections.</a> Acta Neurobiol Exp. 70 (3), 1-8 (2010).</li><li>Glud, A. N., 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=Direct+MRI-guided+stereotaxic+viral+mediated+gene+transfer+of+alpha-synuclein+in+the+minipig+CNS.">Direct MRI-guided stereotaxic viral mediated gene transfer of alpha-synuclein in the minipig CNS.</a> Acta Neurobiol Exp. 71 (4), 508-518 (2011).</li><li>Ettrup, K. S., S&#248;rensen, J. C., Rodell, A., Alstrup, A. K. O., Bjarkam, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hypothalamic+deep+brain+stimulation+influences+autonomic+and+limbic+circuitry+involved+in+the+regulation+of+aggression+and+cardiocerebrovascular+control+in+the+minipig.">Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation influences autonomic and limbic circuitry involved in the regulation of aggression and cardiocerebrovascular control in the minipig.</a> Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 90 (5), 281-291 (2012).</li><li>Nielsen, M. 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=Continuous+MPTP+intoxication+in+the+minipig+results+in+chronic+parkinsonian+deficits.">Continuous MPTP intoxication in the minipig results in chronic parkinsonian deficits.</a> Acta Neurobiol Exp. 76, 198-210 (2016).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., 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+MRI-compatible+stereotaxic+localizer+box+enables+high-precision+stereotaxic+procedures+in+pigs.">A MRI-compatible stereotaxic localizer box enables high-precision stereotaxic procedures in pigs.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 139 (2), 293-298 (2004).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., Jorgensen, R. L., Jensen, K. N., Sunde, N. A. A., S&#248;rensen, J. C. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Deep+brain+stimulation+electrode+anchoring+using+BioGlue&#174;,+a+protective+electrode+covering,+and+a+titanium+microplate.">Deep brain stimulation electrode anchoring using BioGlue&#174;, a protective electrode covering, and a titanium microplate.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 168, 151-155 (2008).</li><li>Ettrup, K. 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=Basic+Surgical+Techniques+in+the+Minipig:+Intubation,+Transurethral+Bladder+Catheterization,+Femoral+Vessel+Catheterization,+and+Transcardial+Perfusion.">Basic Surgical Techniques in the Minipig: Intubation, Transurethral Bladder Catheterization, Femoral Vessel Catheterization, and Transcardial Perfusion.</a> J Vis Exp. (52), e2652 (2011).</li><li>Ettrup, K. S., Torn&#248;e, J., S&#248;rensen, J. C., Bjarkam, C. 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+surgical+device+for+minimally+invasive+implantation+of+experimental+deep+brain+stimulation+leads+in+large+research+animals.">A surgical device for minimally invasive implantation of experimental deep brain stimulation leads in large research animals.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 200 (1), 41-46 (2011).</li><li>Danielsen, E. H., 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=Positron+emission+tomography+of+living+brain+in+minipigs+and+domestic+pigs.">Positron emission tomography of living brain in minipigs and domestic pigs.</a> Scand J Lab Anim Sci Suppl. 25 (1), 127-135 (1998).</li><li>R&#248;hl, L., 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=Time+evolution+of+cerebral+perfusion+and+ADC+measured+by+MRI+in+a+porcine+stroke+model.">Time evolution of cerebral perfusion and ADC measured by MRI in a porcine stroke model.</a> J Magn Reson Imaging. 15 (2), 123-129 (2002).</li><li>Cumming, P., Gillings, N. M., Jensen, S. B., Bjarkam, C. 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R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+implantation+of+deep+brain+stimulation+electrodes+in+the+pontine+micturition+centre+of+the+minipig.">Long-term implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes in the pontine micturition centre of the minipig.</a> Acta Neurochir. 151 (7), 785-794 (2009).</li><li>Rosendal, F., 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=Does+chronic+low+dose+treatment+with+ciclosporin+influence+the+brain?+A+histopathological+study+in+pigs.">Does chronic low dose treatment with ciclosporin influence the brain? A histopathological study in pigs.</a> Transplantation Proc. 37 (8), 3305-3308 (2005).</li><li>Nielsen, M. S., S&#248;rensen, J. C., Bjarkam, C. 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+substantia+nigra+pars+compacta+of+the+minipig:+An+anatomical+and+stereological+study.">The substantia nigra pars compacta of the minipig: An anatomical and stereological study.</a> Brain Struct Funct. (4-5), 481-488 (2009).</li><li>S&#248;rensen, J. C., Bjarkam, C. R., Simonsen, C. Z., Danielsen, E., Geneser, F. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oriented+sectioning+of+irregular+tissue+blocks+in+relation+to+computerized+scanning+modalities.+Results+from+the+domestic+pig+brain.">Oriented sectioning of irregular tissue blocks in relation to computerized scanning modalities. Results from the domestic pig brain.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 104, 93-98 (2000).</li><li>Bjarkam, C. R., Pedersen, M., S&#248;rensen, J. 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Most experimental neuroscience studies are performed in small animal species, such as mice and rats, where access to the CNS is facilitated by a thin skull- and dural-thickness. However, in larger experimental animals like pigs1,4,8, sheep32, and non-human primates, the considerable thickness of these structures necessitates the use of robust instruments (table of materials) and proper entry points for sk...

Translational neuroscience studies in pigs have become increasingly popular during the last two decades. The large size of the pig brain enables the use of conventional clinical brain imagers and the direct use and testing of neurosurgical procedures and equipment from the human clinic1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. In the last 20 years, pigs, especially minipigs (e.g., G&#246;ttingen minipig), have been used to examine neuromodulatory treatment modalities, such as stem cell transplantation; viral vector transfection; and deep brain stimulation directed towards Parkinson disease, obesity, depression, and Alzheimer disease2,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17. This has been followed by the development of stereotaxic and surgical approaches to manipulate the minipig CNS3,18,19,20,21. The instituted CNS changes have been evaluated in live animals using brain imaging (PET10,13,22,24 and MR23), cystometry11,12,25, gait analysis17, neurological evaluation9,17, and postmortem examination based on histology and stereological analysis14,15,17,26,27,31. However, postmortem analysis requires the exposure and removal of the pig brain, which is not an easy task, as a thick, bony skull and a fibrous dural covering surround the pig brain.
The goal of this paper and instructional video is to describe how the postmortem pig brain and pituitary may be exposed and removed in an intact state in 15-20 min using non-motorized surgical tools. The instructional video and photographic illustrations show male minipigs (age: 6 months, bodyweight: 20-25 kg) used for an anatomical study on the minipig pituitary gland.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1036">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Heavy Scalpel Handle #4</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">FST (Fine Science Tools)</td>
			<td style="width:149px;">10008-13</td>
			<td style="width:481px;">Good for skin incision and soft tissue removal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Non-Sterile Scalpel Blades #23</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">FST&#160;</td>
			<td>10023-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Scalpel Handle #7</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">FST&#160;</td>
			<td>10007-12</td>
			<td>Optimal for dural incision and precision work</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Non-Sterile Scalpel Blades #11</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">FST&#160;</td>
			<td>10011-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Surgical Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">FST&#160;</td>
			<td>11024-18</td>
			<td>The tip of the surgical forceps ensure a firm grip&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Kerrison Bone Punch</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">Aesculap Neurosurgery</td>
			<td style="width:149px;">FF713R</td>
			<td>Must be robust, bite size 3-5 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Bone Rongeur</td>
			<td>Aesculap Neurosurgery</td>
			<td style="width:149px;">MD615</td>
			<td>Must be robust, bite size 15 x 5 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Bone Rongeur</td>
			<td>Aesculap Neurosurgery</td>
			<td style="width:149px;">FO551R</td>
			<td>Must be robust, bite size 25 x 15 mm&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Bone Chisel</td>
			<td>Lawton</td>
			<td>67-0335</td>
			<td>The size of the chisel head should not exceed 20 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Mallet (Hammer)</td>
			<td>Millarco</td>
			<td>5624108</td>
			<td>Weigth 300 g, length 30 cm, head hit area size 2 x 2 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Micro-Scissor</td>
			<td>FST&#160;</td>
			<td>14002-14&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Dissector</td>
			<td>Aesculap Neurosurgery</td>
			<td style="width:149px;">OL165R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">&#160;G&#246;ttingen minipigs</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">&#160;Ellegaard G&#246;ttingen Minipigs A/S, Denmark</td>
			<td style="width:149px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Euthanimal</td>
			<td style="width:191px;"></td>
			<td style="width:149px;"></td>
			<td>pentobarbital</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Ketamine</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">Pfizer</td>
			<td style="width:149px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Midazolam&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:191px;">Hameln Pharmaceuticals</td>
			<td style="width:149px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

exposure of the pig cns for histological analysis: a manual for decapitation, skull opening, and brain removal

Pigs have become increasingly popular in large-animal translational neuroscience research as an economically and ethically feasible substitute to non-human primates. The large brain size of the pig allows the use of conventional clinical brain imagers and the direct use and testing of neurosurgical procedures and equipment from the human clinic. Further macroscopic and histological analysis, however, requires postmortem exposure of the pig central nervous system (CNS) and subsequent brain removal. This is not an easy task, as the pig CNS is encapsulated by a thick, bony skull and spinal column. The goal of this paper and instructional video is to describe how to expose and remove the postmortem pig brain and the pituitary gland in an intact state, suitable for subsequent macroscopic and histological analysis.

To prevent the tissue material from drying out, it is recommended to store the removed brain and pituitary in a jar filled with fixative or isotonic saline immediately after macroscopic analysis has been performed. The tissue material may be stored in the fixative for years, whereas storage in isotonic saline, even in a refrigerator, will lead to tissue decay with time.
The removed pituitary may also be directly frozen by immers...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Exposure of the Pig CNS for Histological Analysis: A Manual for Decapitation, Skull Opening, and Brain Removal at JoVE.com

Exposure of the Pig CNS for Histological Analysis: A Manual for Decapitation, Skull Opening, and Brain Removal

The goal of this paper and instructional video is to describe how to expose and remove the postmortem pig brain and pituitary gland in an intact state, suitable for subsequent macroscopic and histological analysis.

Pigs have become increasingly popular in large-animal translational neuroscience research as an economically and ethically feasible substitute to ...

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Anatomy and Physiology

Neuroscience

Unit 1

The Axial Skeleton

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A Polished and Reinforced Thinned-skull Window for Long-term Imaging of the Mouse Brain

In vivo imaging of cortical function requires optical access to the brain without disruption of the intracranial environment. We present a method to form ...

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

The study of complex computational systems is facilitated by network maps, such as circuit diagrams. Such mapping is particularly informative when ...

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

The present paper describes a comprehensive protocol for manual tracing of the set of brain regions comprising the medial temporal lobe (MTL): amygdala, ...

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

The nervous system has the remarkable ability to adapt and respond to various stimuli. This neural adjustment is largely achieved through plasticity at ...

High-throughput Analysis of Locomotor Behavior in the Drosophila Island Assay

High-throughput Analysis of Locomotor Behavior in the Drosophila Island Assay

Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies contribute to the identification of (candidate) disease genes for movement disorders and other ...

Recording Synaptic Plasticity in Acute Hippocampal Slices Maintained in a Small-volume Recycling-, Perfusion-, and Submersion-type Chamber System

Even though experiments on brain slices have been in use since 1951, problems remain that reduce the probability of achieving a stable and successful ...

Novel Passive Clearing Methods for the Rapid Production of Optical Transparency in Whole CNS Tissue

Since the development of CLARITY, a bioelectrochemical clearing technique that allows for three-dimensional phenotype mapping within transparent tissues, ...

Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset

Electrocorticography (ECoG) allows the monitoring of electrical field potentials from the cerebral cortex with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent ...

Focused Ultrasound Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Targeting Brain Structures and Evaluating Chemogenetic Neuromodulation

Acoustically Targeted Chemogenetics (ATAC) allows for the noninvasive control of specific neural circuits. ATAC achieves such control through a ...

Extraction and Dissection of the Domesticated Pig Brain

Use of the pig as a preclinical and translatable animal model has been well-documented and accepted by research fields investigating cardiovascular ...