title: Minimally-invasive Technique for Injection into Rat Optic Nerve.
abstract: The rat optic nerve is a useful model for stem cell regeneration research. Direct injection into the rat optic nerve allows delivery into the central nervous system in a minimally-invasive surgery without bone removal. This technique describes an approach to visualization and direct injection of the optic nerve following minor fascial dissection from the orbital ridge, using a conjunctival traction suture to gently pull the eye down and out. Representative examples of an injected optic nerve show successful injection of dyed beads.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University.
authors.forename: Kateryna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raykova
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University.
authors.forename: Melina V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University.
authors.forename: Hwa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University.
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University; mlevy@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007267:Injections / Q000662:veterinary; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D051381:Rats; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*