Three dimensional anatomical microdissection of rat brain using fiber dissection technique

Abstract

IntroductionUsing Klingler's fiber dissection technique, we aimed to demonstrate microdissections of the specific regions in the brain of rat which is undoubtly one of the mostly used animal in neuroscience researches. MethodsFormalin fixed cerebral hemispheres of rat brains were dissected under operating microscope. Klingler's technique of fiber dissection was applied. Cortex, intrinsic anatomy and cranial nerves were studied. During and after dissection, photographs were taken and three dimensional pictures were obtained using a special software (Anamaker 3D©; available free from www.stereoeye.com, Tokyo, Japan). ResultsThe anatomical relation of structures, seen in histological sections, was determined in our study. Hippocampus, thalamus and internal capsule, which are frequently studied, are explained with three dimensional fiber dissection technique. In rats, trigeminal nerve, olfactory nerve, hippocampus lying to the fornix and olfactory bulb lying to the frontal horn are more distinct when compared to humans. DiscussionThe microdissection of rat brain, to obtain needed structures accurately for experimental purposes, is an extremely important model. On this basis, our study serves the microsurgical anatomy of the rat brain for neuroscientists knowledge.