Osmotic Pump-Based Neurotherapeutic Drug Delivery in a Demyelinated Mouse Model

Begin with a secured, anesthetized corpus callosum-demyelinated mouse model.

This mouse exhibits damaged myelin around the corpus callosum axons.

Disinfect the surgical area, reopen the pre-stitched incision, and expand it to create a subcutaneous cavity.

Now, take a therapeutic drug-filled osmotic pump, a small implantable drug-releasing device that is attached to a brain infusion cannula via a catheter.

Place the osmotic pump inside the subcutaneous cavity.

Wipe the pre-established skull pinhole.

Insert the cannula through the pinhole, positioning it near the corpus callosum.

Apply an adhesive to secure the cannula and detach the removable cannula tab.

Suture the incision and allow the mouse to recover.

The osmotic pump releases the drug through the cannula at a controlled rate over an extended period.

The released drug molecules diffuse and reach the corpus callosum.

Within the corpus callosum, the drug activates myelin-producing cells, which promotes remyelination and confirms neurotherapeutic drug delivery.

Secure the mice on the stereotaxic apparatus again. Open the previously stitched surgical incision and expand the incision up to the shoulder blades. Separate the skin from the subcutaneous connective tissue at the scapula using hemostatic pliers or tweezers to open a cavity, and place the osmotic pump into the cavity. With a cotton swab, gently wipe and expose the pinhole on the surface of the skull created when establishing the demyelination model.

Insert the brain infusion cannula through the pinhole perpendicularly, and secure it on the skull with tissue adhesive. Take off the removable tab above the brain infusion cannula with a pair of scissors. Stitch the incision or attach it with tissue adhesive. Place the animal in a cage alone after the surgery.