A versatile, low-cost adaptor for stereotaxic and electrophysiologic spinal preparations in juvenile and adult rodents

Rats and mice provide excellent models for normal spinal cord physiology, traumatic spinal cord injury, and various disease states. Alternative and improved methodologies for experimental spinal preparations are desirable, particularly in the wake of expanding neuroscience technology, such as the diverse array of transgenic mice now available, and exciting new therapeutic approaches, including transplantation and gene therapy. This report describes a simple, low-cost instrument for spinal preparations in rodents of different sizes, including rat pups. The device adapts to standard small animal stereotaxic instruments, precluding the need for additional stereotaxic apparatus. Surgical methods utilizing the device are presented demonstrating the instrument's capacity for precise alignment and stabilization of the spinal column that is reproducible from animal to animal. Proof of concept is demonstrated with results from spinal cord injections and electrophysiologic recordings.