Dog cerebrospinal fluid BriteVu study

Jul 27, 2019 Off Comments in Non-Human Mammals
Dog cerebrospinal fluid BriteVu study

The cerebrospinal fluid (or CSF) is the normally clear and colorless body fluid found in the spaces of the brain and spinal cord. CSF is created by specialized ependymal cells in the ventricles of the brain.  The ventricles are the communicating cavities within the brain.  CSF fluid is often analyzed (via a ‘CSF tap’) to look for abnormalities that help give clues to certain brain disorders.  The shape and size of the ventricles can also give clues to certain brain diseases.

Mapping the ventricles and flow of CSF is easier said than done.  Models are needed to better understand the CSF and ventricles. Here a cadaver dog head was fenestrated (creation of a surgical ‘window’ into the brain case) and probes carefully placed into the ventricles.  Next BriteVu and BriteVu Enhancer were perfused into the ventricles filling the spaces.  Using CT (aka ‘cat’) scans, the BriteVu could then be visualized in place of the CSF.  The data from the CT scan can then be used to create 3D digital and printed models for study.  Courtesy of the Surgical Translation and 3D Printing Research Lab at the University of Florida.

Video of BriteVu filled CSF in dog head

Brain ventricles studied with BriteVu

Dog brain ventricles filled and CSF replaced with BriteVu and digitally printed.

Dog ventricles studied with BriteVu

Dog CSF filled with BriteVu and digitally printed.