The present protocol describes in detail the steps necessary for executing two highly versatile and minimally invasive surgical approaches for localized delivery of compounds to the central nervous system. The procedures have been designed for use on laboratory mice but can also be tailored for experimentations involving other small rodent models. Following the instructions outlined below, treatments can either be administered through single injections or infused over a longer period of time, at locations identified through stereotaxic coordinates, which ensure efficient targeting of the brain region of interest, as well as increased reproducibility between surgeries. Although the surgical interventions are well tolerated by laboratory animals, it is recommended to closely monitor the mice postoperatively for a few days, and take the necessary measures to prevent stress and discomfort.
Keywords: Central nervous system; Intracranial injection; Intraventricular injection; Mouse; Osmotic pump.