A simple, inexpensive method for subcortical stereotactic targeting in nonhuman primates.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Animal Models
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Current neuroscience studies in large animal models primarily focus on cortical structures.
• Subcortical nuclei play crucial roles in many brain processes but are challenging to target in nonhuman primates (NHP).
• A straightforward method for subcortical targeting in NHP is needed to advance research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, straightforward, and cost-effective method for subcortical targeting in nonhuman primates (NHP).
• To validate the accuracy of this new targeting method using histological confirmation.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized MRI-compatible titanium screws as fiducials for subcortical targeting in NHP.
• Histological analysis with a cellular marker was employed to confirm the accuracy of the targeted locations in vivo.

Main Results:

• Histological results confirmed the presence of a cellular stem cell marker within the targeted subcortical structures.
• Mean targeting errors were reported with standard deviations: X-axis (1.40 ± 1.19 mm), Z-axis (0.9 ± 0.97 mm), and Y-axis (1.5 ± 0.43 to 4.2 ± 1.72 mm).

Conclusions:

• The presented method is easy, inexpensive, and requires no specialized equipment fabrication.
• This technique optimizes targeting for implantation or injection into multiple interconnected subcortical areas.
• The procedure enhances the ability of primate researchers to precisely target deep subcortical structures in NHP of various ages and weights.