Design and Application of an Electrode Adapter for Chronic Experiments in Pigeon
DOI:
Author:
Affiliation:

Institute of Bio-inspired Structure and Surface Engineering,Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,Institute of Bio-inspired Structure and Surface Engineering,Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,Institute of Bio-inspired Structure and Surface Engineering,Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,Institute of Bio-inspired Structure and Surface Engineering,Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,College of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Clc Number:

Fund Project:

  • Article
  • |
  • Figures
  • |
  • Metrics
  • |
  • Reference
  • |
  • Related
  • |
  • Cited by
  • |
  • Materials
  • |
  • Comments
    Abstract:

    Electrode implantation and wireless stimulation are widely used in investigating brain functions in conscious, freely moving animals. Electrode adapter connecting the wireless stimulator and the implanted electrode needs to be fixed upon the skull. The specialization in bird bone makes it difficult for long-term fixation of the adapter. Here describes a 9-channel electrode adapter for chronic movement induction in the pigeon (Columba livia). It is 12.8mm long, 9.5mm wide, 5.5mm high, and weights 0.42g. According to the characteristics of pigeon's skull, we roughen the skull surface, upon which the electrode adapter is mounted, by means of drilling a series of pits. This process forms a few “contact cones” to increase the contact area between the skull and the electrode adapter when binding by the dental cement. Additionally, three micro-screws are used to reinforce the binding at the specific point of the skull. These processes effectively extend the duration of the adapter on pigeon's head. The preliminary experiments have shown that all the tested adapters (n=6) are fixed on the skull stably for at least 6 months without influence on pigeon's normal activities. The adapter and its fixation method are suitable for longterm investigation of brain functions in freely moving birds and would provide inspiration for other animal studies.

    Reference
    Related
    Cited by
Get Citation

CAI Lei, WANG Hao, WANG Wen-Bo, DAI Zhen-Dong, SHI Ai-Ju. 2014. Design and Application of an Electrode Adapter for Chronic Experiments in Pigeon. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 49(2): 280-285.

Copy
Article Metrics
  • Abstract:
  • PDF:
  • HTML:
  • Cited by:
History
  • Received:August 07,2013
  • Revised:March 03,2014
  • Adopted:December 06,2013
  • Online: March 28,2014
  • Published: