A combined stereotaxic adaptor and anaesthesia apparatus for microdialysis studies in small rodents

Intracerebral microdialysis in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) challenges the accuracy and precision of the stereotaxic implantation technique because of the small brain size. In this paper, a miniaturized stereotaxic head holder is described that allows precise alignment of bone landmarks on the skull and prevents all movement after fixation by clamping the skull symmetrically at the os parietale and at the os nasale. In addition, the head holder is adapted for inhalation anaesthetic delivery in order to ensure stable anaesthetic depth over several hours. The system is not restricted to bank voles but can be readily applied to other small experimental animals, which could lead to a more widespread use of the microdialysis technique in mice.