Abstract
Introduction: Surgically implanted chambers with removable grids are routinely used for studying patterns of neuronal activity in primate brains; however, accessing target tissues is significantly constrained by standard grid designs. Typically, grids are configured with a series of guide holes drilled vertically, parallel to the walls of the chamber, thus targeted sites are limited to those in line vertically with one of the guide holes. Methods: By using the three-dimensional modeling software, a novel grid was designed to reach the targeted sites far beyond the standard reach of the chamber. The grid was fabricated using conventional machining techniques and three-dimensional printing. Results: A pilot study involving microinjection of the magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent gadolinium into the discrete regions of interest (ROIs) in the temporal cortex of an awake, behaving monkey demonstrated the effectiveness of this new design of the guide grid. Using multiple different angles of approach, we were readily able to access 10 injection sites, which were up to 5 mm outside the traditional, orthogonal reach of the chamber.
Highlights
Implanted chambers with removable grids are routinely used for studying patterns of neuronal activity in primate brains; accessing target tissues is significantly constrained by standard grid designs
A pilot study involving microinjection of the magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent gadolinium into the discrete regions of interest (ROIs) in the temporal cortex of an awake, behaving monkey demonstrated the effectiveness of this new design of the guide grid
In order to examine a wide range of neuronal functions in vivo, several techniques have emerged which allow for controlled manipulations, and measurements, within circumscribed regions of interest (ROIs), including (1) local delivery of pharmacological agents, and (2) mapping the electrophysiological responses of neurons to behaviorally relevant stimuli or neurochemical modulation, and (3) electrical stimulation of discrete populations of neurons (e.g., Dias and Segraves, 1999; Nichols and Newsome, 2002; Pickens et al, 2009; Eifuku et al, 2010; Watanabe and Munoz, 2010)
Summary
Implanted chambers with removable grids are routinely used for studying patterns of neuronal activity in primate brains; accessing target tissues is significantly constrained by standard grid designs. Grids are configured with a series of guide holes drilled vertically, parallel to the walls of the chamber, targeted sites are limited to those in line vertically with one of the guide holes. Methods: By using the three-dimensional modeling software, a novel grid was designed to reach the targeted sites far beyond the standard reach of the chamber. The grid was fabricated using conventional machining techniques and three-dimensional printing. Results: A pilot study involving microinjection of the magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent gadolinium into the discrete regions of interest (ROIs) in the temporal cortex of an awake, behaving monkey demonstrated the effectiveness of this new design of the guide grid.
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