Rat pinealectomy: a modified direct visual approach

• Autor(es):

  Maganhin, Carla Cristina (Unifesp);

  Simões, Ricardo Santos (University of Sao Paulo. Department of Ginecology and Obstetrics);

  Fuchs, Luiz Fernando Portugal (UNIFESP. Department of Ginecology);

  Oliveira-Filho, Ricardo Martins (USP. Department of Pharmacology);

  Simões, Manuel de Jesus (UNIFESP. Department of Morphology. Histology and Structural Biology Division);

  Evêncio Neto, Joaquim (Federal University of Pernambuco. Department of Morphology. Histology Division);

  Baracat, Edmund Chada (USP. Medicine School. Gynecology and Obstetric Anatomy Division);

  Soares Júnior, José Maria (UNIFESP. Department of Gynecology. Endocrinology Division).

• Fonte:

  Acta Cirurgica Brasileira; volume 24, número 4, páginas 321-324. Agosto 2009.

• Assuntos:

  Pineal Gland;

  Melatonin;

  Genitalia, Female;

  Surgery;

  Rats.

• Resumo:

  PURPOSE: To report a new, direct visual approach for rat pinealectomy. METHODS: Eighty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus EPM-1 strain) were weighted and anesthetized intraperitoneally with 15 mg/kg xylazine and 30 mg/kg ketamine. The animal was fastened to a dissection table, an incision was made in the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, bringing the lambda into view. The skullcap was opened with a dental drill, bringing the cerebral hemispheres and the superior sagittal sinus into view. The pineal gland, located under the venous sinus, was removed in a single piece using tweezers. Next, the bone fragment was returned to its place and the surgical layers were sutured. RESULTS: This new technique is easy to be done, avoids bleedings and removes only the pineal gland without damage to the remaining encephalon. In addition it makes possible the achievement of a sham surgery, allowing the pineal gland to remain intact. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique intends to facilitate studies aiming to better understanding the complexity and importance of the pineal gland on reproductive and other body systems.

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