A perfused rat brain model maintaining the connection between the central and peripheral nervous systems

Abstract

We have developed a new perfused brain model in rats. In this model, the cerebral circulation is separated from the systemic circulation, while the connections between the central and peripheral nervous systems are preserved. After bilateral common carotid, external carotid and vertebral artery ligation, bilateral common carotid arteries were cannulated to infuse rinsed human type O red blood cells mixed with modified Ringer’s solution. To drain cerebral venous blood, external jugular veins were cannulated. Normal electrocortical activities were observed on electroencephalograms (EEGs) for more than 1 h after the beginning of the perfusion. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were also recorded. Direct infusion of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) into the brain induced epileptic discharges on the EEGs and active dilation of cerebral arterioles, which was accompanied by an increase in systemic blood pressure (BP). The present model, in which we can change cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or cerebral metabolism without directly affecting the systemic circulation, will provide a new approach to brain research.