A Stereotaxic Approach to Transauricular Hypophysectomy in the Rat

Abstract

A method which utilizes modified ear bars to guide a needle to the pituitary gland during transauricular hypophysectomy is presented. The proper angle of entry, so vital to success in this procedure, is determined not by the skill of the operator but by the design of the apparatus. This stereotaxic approach makes possible several manipulations which improve the chances of complete hypophysectomy in large rats.