CANNULATION OF THE CISTERNA MAGNA IN SHEEP: A METHOD FOR CHRONIC STUDIES OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

Abstract

A method of cannulating the cisterns magna of sheep is described. Successful cancellations were achieved in 15 of 17 attempts (88%). Mean cannula patency was 13-9 days (range 7-20). Using these cannulas, it possible to obtain samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in large volumes (4-8 ml) and remove 20-30 ml of CSF over a 5 h period This technique allows access to the CSF of an animal large enough for the removal of samples of CSF of sufficient size to detect materials present at very low concentrations.