New technique for cannulae implantation into the dorsal raphe nucleus using layer 5 of cerebellum reference in rat stereotaxic surgery.

A new surgical method for needle or electrode implantation using layer 5 of the cerebellum (C5) as anatomical reference in rat stereotaxic surgery was developed. The coordinates of the new technique for electrode or needle implantation into dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are: PA: 3.20-340 mm, V: 6.00-6.40 mm, and L: 0.00 mm. The success of the new surgical procedure was confirmed by histological control of the lesion impact of the electrode into NRD. This lesion impact was well positioned in 83-86% of implanted rats. The use of this method can be extended to other nuclei than the DRN of the brain for cannula implantation. In addition, it can be used in rats on a larger scale, because it suppresses the limitations due to age and body weight.