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A surgical modification in the technique of rat pinealectomy

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Abstract

Background

Several experimental intents require pineal gland removal. The main challenge of the pinealectomy surgical procedure is the hemorrhage due to the transverse sinus torn. The study aimed to modify the rat pinealectomy surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding and the mortality rate.

Methods

Adult male rats experienced pinealectomy surgery. A mini-drill was used to remove a small skull area in the junction of the lambda and sagittal sutures. The pineal gland was removed using a curved-head hook. Animals experienced intensive post-surgical care. Locomotion, cerebellar motor function, working memory, and anxiety were evaluated 2 weeks after pinealectomy by the open field, rotarod, Y maze, and the elevated plus maze, respectively.

Results

Surgical modification reduced the bleeding risk and animal mortality rate. No significant alteration was found in locomotion and working memory. However, the pinealectomy was anxiogenic and decreased entry to the open arm. The cerebellar motor performance did not change in the rotarod test. Hematoxylin–Eosin staining of removed tissue confirmed the histology of the pineal gland.

Conclusion

Advantages of this technique were removing a small skull area, modifying the hook insertion point to prevent damaging the brain veins, reducing the bleeding risk and the mortality rate. Surgery modification was associated with a decreased final number of animals used. Regardless of the melatonin shortage, pinealectomy affects different organs, which should be considered in the research study design.

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Acknowledgements

Hereby, we extend our gratitude to Tehran University of Medical Sciences for the financial support of this study by grant No. 1400-2-420-54823.

Funding

This study was funded by 1400–2-420–54823.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Shima Mohammadi & Maryam Zahmatkesh

  2. Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioural Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Maryam Zahmatkesh

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  1. Shima Mohammadi
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Correspondence to Maryam Zahmatkesh.

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Mohammadi, S., Zahmatkesh, M. A surgical modification in the technique of rat pinealectomy. Anat Sci Int 98, 164–175 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-022-00683-6

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