Lab Anim Res.  2010 Dec;26(4):393-397. 10.5625/lar.2010.26.4.393.

An Improved Method for Intrathecal Catheterization in the Rat

• Jeong YC
• Kwon YB

• KMID: 2114708
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2010.26.4.393

Abstract

Catheterization of the subarachnoid space provides a useful tool to deliver drugs to spinal cord in rat. However, the passage of a long intrathecal catheter inserted via the cisterna magnum to lumbar spinal levels increases the risk of spinal cord trauma and the mislocation of catether into other places. Thus, present study was aimed to introduce direct subarachnoid catheterization of the rat lumbar spinal cord with novel shape of catheter. An intrathecal PE-10 catheter was fabricated with coil (four-time helix with 2 mm diameter) on either end and attached small silicon beads on both end of the coil. Using the silicon bead at insertion part as an anchorage, the catheter was advanced into the subarachnoid space until the silicon bead was embedded on a drilled hole over interspinous space between L4 and L5 vertebra. And then, silicon bead was tightly attached by surgical glue and dental resin with vertebra. Using the other side of silicon bead, catheter was tightly suturing with muscle layer. Finally, external portion of the catheter was placed into stainless steel protector on neck to reduce the damage by rat. Following this catheterization, it is not significantly affect the general physiology (i.e. motor function, weight gain and mechanical allodynia) of the rat without catheter loss over 2 weeks. Moreover, intrathecal injection either fluorescent dye or lidocaine further confirmed that drug diffusion site was appropriated for intended target.

Keyword

Intrathecal; catheter; lumbar; lidocaine; silicon bead

MeSH Terms

Adhesives
Animals
Catheterization
Catheters
Diffusion
Injections, Spinal
Lidocaine
Mandrillus
Muscles
Neck
Rats
Resins, Synthetic
Silicones
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spine
Stainless Steel
Subarachnoid Space
Weight Gain
Adhesives
Lidocaine
Resins, Synthetic
Silicones
Stainless Steel

Figure

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  Figure 1. The preparation of intrathecal catheter. (A) Shape of catheter. (B) Fabrication of four helix and location of silicon bead. (C) Surgical glue for silicon bead and catheter. (D) Dental resin for silicon bead and catheter. (E) Catheter protector.

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  Figure 2. Surgical procedures. (A) Diagram for the catheter insertion. (B) Catheter was tied with muscle using silicon bead. (C) Catheter extruded into neck area by 18 gage needle. (D) Catheter protector attached into skin and hide by cotton.

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  Figure 3. The body weight gain (A) and mechanical allodynia by von Frey filament (B) after catheterization for 2 weeks. Each group contains 10 rats.

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  Figure 4. The intrathecal drug infusion test. (A) Intrathecal injection of fluorescent dye cy3 was bilaterally located into surface of lumbar spinal cord. (B) Intrathecal injection of lidocaine bilaterally blocked sensory and motor function of hind limb.

Reference

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