A new and simple transection knife for study of neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration in animal model.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to design and make a simple, inexpensive brain knife that could produce consistent results following transection in animal model.


METHODS
After testing various materials including commercially available products, microelectrode recording needles as used in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery were selected as ideal candidates. They were modified to serve as type of wire-knife for the purposes of study. For this study, the major pathway for dopaminergic neuron from substantia nigra to striatum was selected for transection. A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 8 groups; normal, 1-4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks post-transection. Degree of cell death was determined and surviving neurons were counted by means of fluorescent microscopic examination, immunohistochemistry involving tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive staining, and mapping to verify complete transection.


RESULTS
Compared to control, percentage of remaining neurons in each group was 61.3, 36.8, 29.9, 5.1, 5.9, 7.0%, respectively. Completeness of lesion was correlated with the absence of TH-immunoreactivity in the striatum.


CONCLUSIONS
Our model seems to provide complete cell death in early period after transection with consistent results. Thus, this type of brain knife can be very handy, without any extra cost, in any research model involving transection of fiber bundle for studies on neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.
Park
J Y
JY
Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Medical Center, Ansan Hospital, Seoul, Korea. jypark@kumc.or.kr
Kim
S D
SD
Park
J
J
Lim
D J
DJ
Lee
H K
HK
Chung
H S
HS
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D023421:Models, Animal; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000601:surgery*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley