Chronic intracarotid cannulation of pigeons for administration of behaviorally active peptides

Chronic intracarotid cannulation of the common carotid artery was performed in the pigeon. The catheter system of polyethylene tubing consisted of an indwelling component and an injection component. The indwelling component was exteriorized at the occiput so the bird could not reach the catheter with its beak. Following surgery, the pigeons were housed individually and received food and water ad libitum and no special care was necessary. The catheter was flushed daily with heparin in 0.9% NaCl solution to maintain patency. 30 pigeons were continuously or intermittently infused with bioactive peptides for up to 60 days after cannulation.