The split-brain neonate: a surgical method for corpus callosum section in newborn kittens.

One way to determine the importance of interhemispheric interaction in the development of adaptive and acquired behavior is to section completely the corpus callosum about the time of birth before myelination commences and before any significant hemispheric interaction takes place. Therefore, we developed a technique for commissurotomy in the neonatal kitten 36 to 72 hr of age. A specially designed "commissurotomy knife" was used which eliminated retraction of the hemispheres. Histology showed completeness of corpus callosum section as well as commissure of the fornix without any apparent damage to cortical or subcortical structures. This technique meets the following criteria: (1) reproducibility or lesions without additional nonspecific damage; (2)minimal exposure and manipulation of the delicate newborn brain: (3) brief operational procedure minimizing risk of infection; and (4) low mortality rate.