Surgical access to cisterna magna using concorde-like position for cell transplantation in mice and CNS dissection within intact dura for evaluation of cell distribution

The CSF is increasingly considered as an attractive gateway to the central nervous system (CNS). It is warranted by the direct delivery of therapeutic agents beyond the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and widespread access to the large areas of the brain and the spinal cord. In small animals access to CSF is not trivial. The cisterna magna is the largest CSF fluid compartment; thus it was selected as a target. Here, I describe the surgical procedure for efficient and reproducible access and injection of therapeutic agents such as stem cells to cisterna magna. Due to hydromechanics, the method is distinct from previously described techniques for CSF withdrawal. Finally, I describe the method for CNS dissection within intact dura for evaluation of cell distribution.