A step-wise approach to deep brain stimulation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Studies of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in mice are rare due to their small size, agility, aversion to handling, and high anxiety compared to larger species. Studying DBS modulation of neural circuitry in murine models of human behavior may ensure safety, guide stimulatory parameters for clinical trials in humans, and inform a long-eluded mechanism. METHODS: Stereotactic deep brain electrode implantation in a mouse is performed. Mechanical etching of the skull with a high-speed drill is used with placement of cyanoacrylate glue and molding of dental acrylate to affix the electrode in place. Stimulation experiments are conducted in the home cage after a habituation period. After testing is complete, electrode placement is verified in fixed tissue. RESULTS: Electrodes can be safely and accurately implanted in mice for DBS experimentation. Previous findings demonstrated accuracy in placement within the nucleus accumbens shell of 93 % [14]. In this study, there were no hardware malfunctions that required interrupting experimentation. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic DBS studies may be safely and effectively performed in mice to investigate neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, examining the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders may be facilitated by widely available transgenic mouse lines and the Cre-Lox recombination system.