title: Lumbar catheterization of the subarachnoid space with a 32-gauge polyurethane catheter in the rat.
abstract: Chronic catheterization of the subarachnoid space of rats is an important tool for intrathecal drug delivery in pharmacologic investigations of pain. We describe a technique using direct lumbar insertion of a small 32-gauge polyurethane (PU) catheter without extensive surgery. Location of the catheter was confirmed with 2% lidocaine injection 1 day later, and methylene blue injection after 7-14 days. This method improved recovery of the rat after catheter implantation and reduced neurologic complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Pogatzki
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Zahn
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011140:Polyurethanes; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013346:Subarachnoid Space
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes