A new microcannula for injections in rat brains without disturbing social interactions.
A new cannula system is presented that allows intracerebral microinjections of neuroactive substances in freely moving rats in a social environment. By connecting a microcannula to a freely rotating stainless steel spring, small (0.2 microliter) injections can be made without disturbing the ongoing social interaction. This microinjection system can be used for instantaneous injections, but can also be used for microinfusions during a considerable longer period of time.