Técnica para cateterização do espaço subaracnóideo em ovinos

Abstract

Techniques for collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in some animal species have been used for some time. However, the existing techniques present restrictions, both methodological and for animal welfare, which need to be minimized. In this way, 6 multiparous sheep (Ovis aries) of the Santa Inês breed were used to obtain CSF through a puncture of the subarachnoid space with the aid of an epidural catheter between the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 fixed on the epidermis. After anesthetic recovery of the animals, CSF was harvested for 5 consecutive days. 3 ml of CSF were obtained per animal / day. Throughout the experimental period, the sheep did not show neurological changes, nor a sign of infection, as well as no changes in the CSF's physical characteristics. We conclude that the method for catheterization of the subarachnoid space presented above is feasible and effective for obtaining continuous CSF for prolonged periods, thus avoiding more invasive methods with the same objective.