Realization of the Stereotaxic Surgery

For addressing the specific objectives of a proposed study, stereotaxic surgery is often used in combination with other techniques. These techniques can include in vivo experimental procedures for activating or inactivating brain structures or transmitter systems, permanent selective lesioning, functional neuroanatomy using tracers and activity markers, and acute or chronic measurements or recordings. Through three examples, this chapter covers the practical realization of a stereotaxic surgery in combination with several techniques: the insertion of a guide cannula for pharmacological microinjections or optogenetic manipulations in rats, the insertion of glass microelectrode in a model of head-restrained rat for semi-chronic electrophysiological recordings and a procedure of microdialysis in the anesthetized mouse. To ensure a proper conduct of such complex stereotaxic surgeries, these procedures are thoroughly described with the preparation of the surgical tools, the adequate protocols for anesthesia and analgesia, and the method to verify the correct placement of the cannula or probe on the stereotaxic holder. The main surgical gestures and procedures including drilling, mounting of anchor screws and fixing cannula and screws with cement are detailed. Through these examples, this chapter is aimed to help users to adequately prepare and perform their own surgeries, in order to obtain an optimal precision and reproducibility in their procedures, with a constant care of the animal’s welfare.