I need some help regarding the protocol for injecting ibotenic acid in
the brain, in order to cause localized cell death. I have an ongoing
project where I want to cause extensive lesion of area 17 in one side of
the brain of marmosets. I've seen the literature on macaques, and just
tried to copy the protocol: multiple injections of ibotenic acid (10
microg/microlitre). each 1 mm from the next. This means that I have to
make 20-30 injections. Just after I finish the procedure, the animals
stop brething and die. In one case, death was preceded by seizure-like
movements. A similar procedure involving tracer injections ends OK...
I wondered whether some of the acid may be getting to the brainstem, and
affecting the respiratory centres or other vital nuclei. Is anyone aware
of literature on this subject? How fast does ibotenic acid work? Are
there any estimates of how far the injections go? Any suggestions?
Thanks;
Marcello
