Implantation of Cranial Imaging Window in Mouse Model: A Surgical Procedure to Implant Glass-based Coverslip for Stable Optical Access to Regions of Murine Brain
Transcrição
Cranial window implantation is a surgical procedure wherein an exposed region of the brain is sealed with a coverslip. The implanted imaging window facilitates access to the brain for long-term high resolution in vivo imaging.
To begin, stabilize an anesthetized mouse in a stereotactic unit.
Maintain its body temperature using a heating pad.
Next, shave the mouse’s scalp and sterilize the exposed skin.
Make a circular incision and scrape off the underlying periosteum – a fibrous connective tissue layer – from the skull surface.
Subsequently, apply a suitable vasoconstrictor and an anesthetic solution over the surgical area to minimize bleeding in the following steps.
Secure the skin edges to the skull with cyanoacrylate glue.
Then, under a dissection microscope, visualize the skull.
Drill a shallow groove over the region of interest until the bone flap becomes loose. Treat the groove with cortex buffer to prevent tissue dehydration.
Gently lift the bone flap, creating a bone window to access the brain underneath.
Now, remove the outermost membrane layer surrounding the brain – the dura mater. Clear the buffer and apply silicone oil to prevent air bubbles under the window.
Mount a coverslip over the exposed area using glue, ensuring minimal distance between the brain and the coverslip.
The mouse with the implanted cranial window is ready for brain imaging.
