in the rat and in many other rodents.
Pineal gland has a rather superficial
location which makes it easy to
reach surgically on this
superior view of the head of the rat,
the superior sagittal sinus and the transfer
sinuses are projected.
The pineal gland is located just
underneath the confluence of these sinuses.
These relationships are shown again on
this mid sagittal section of the brain.
The following structures can be recognized.
The scalp,
the skull,
the superior sagittal sinus,
with its division into the transverse
sinuses,
the corpus callosum,
the posture,
your comma sure,
the superior and inferior
caligula
and the cerebellum.
The pineal gland is indicated,
located just underneath the confluence of
sinuses.
The pioneer retains a connection with the brain
By a long 10uous stock.
The pineal gland can therefore be easily reached
by drilling a small hole in the skull.
A watchmakers forceps can then be
introduced through this opening to
grasp the pineal,
the gland and its stock can be
removed in one motion.
In addition to the usual surgical instruments
such as forceps scissors and wound clips.
two Important pieces of equipment are necessary.
A stereotype head holder
and especially devised circular
drill,
the head holder is used to keep the rats head
absolutely immovable.
This is necessary as any movement will destroy the
precision required during
the pineal ectomy procedure
to hear bars are inserted into the ear
canals while a
clamp and clearly holds the snout
firmly.
The circular drill is used to cut a small disc
of bone out of the skull.
It is made of a short stainless steel
tube Bearing Sharp Teeth
at one end and mounted on an
ordinary dental drill.
A collar is fitted around the drill
adjusted to the desired depth of cut.
After being anesthetized,
the rat is placed in the stereotype axis holder
and the beer bars are inserted into the ear
canals,
and the nose client is vertically adjusted
to obtain the desired angle.
The scalp is inside from between the
eyes to beyond the base of the skull.
The skin flaps are then reflected laterally,
and the underlying fascia and muscles are
scraped free in an area wider than
the diameter of the drill collar.
At this point the large venous
sinuses of the brain are visible through the skull.
The superior sagittal sinus is indicated
and post eerily.
It is seen to divide into the right and the left
transfers sinuses.
The drill is centered on the confluence of sinuses.
A hole is drilled to a depth set
by the adjustment of the collar.
The optimal depth of cut should be
not quite equal to the thickness of the skull.
The disk still adherent to the
dura can be removed With a
delicate force it.
The sinuses are then readily exposed.
Although the pineal gland is not visible,
it is now easy with a little practice
to remove it.
An open pair of watchmakers forceps is
inserted into the junction of the sinuses,
grasping the stock and removing the
gland and a stop in one motion.
The white pineal gland is about one half
millimeter in diameter and is
unmistakable,
excessive hemorrhage is prevented by
moderate compression of the wound with a cotton
pad.
The bone disk is returned to its original
location,
and possible infection is controlled by
application of a potted self,
a compound.
The skin flaps are united by wound clips
with the aid of a head holder and the
special drill.
This Pineal ectomy procedure can be done in
1-2 minutes per animal.