An Improved Method for Extracting Rat Cerebrospinal Fluid with Repeatable Large-Scale Collection.

Simple Summary: This study involved anesthetizing 20 rats, which were then fixed in a stereotactic frame. A 26G scalp needle, in conjunction with a 1 mL syringe, was used to puncture the atlanto-occipital membrane for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, with an approximate volume of 170 μL. CSF was collected twice within 14 days, and during this period, daily observations were made to monitor food intake, body weight, and hematological indicators. At the end of the study, a histopathological examination was conducted. The results confirmed that large-scale CSF collection had no significant effect on the health status of the rats, and repeated collections were feasible. The success rate of the procedure was 100%, and the blood contamination of CSF decreased from 70% in the first collection to 35% in the second, demonstrating that this technique is convenient, accurate, and suitable for wider application. The aim of this study was to explore an improved method for extracting rat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), observing the impact on animal health under conditions of large-scale CSF collection and evaluating the feasibility of repeated collections. A total of 20 rats were anesthetized and fixed in a stereotactic frame. A 26G scalp needle, combined with a 1 mL syringe, was used to puncture the atlanto-occipital membrane and collect approximately 170 μL of CSF. CSF was collected twice within 14 days. During the study, animals were monitored daily for food intake, body weight, and hematological parameters, and at the end of the study, histopathological examination was performed. The health of the animals remained good, and repeated CSF collections were feasible. The success rate of the procedure was 100%, with blood contamination in the CSF decreasing from 70% in the first collection to 35% in the second. This technique is convenient, accurate, and suitable for widespread applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]