Establishing a Model of Zika Virus-Induced Neurodegeneration in an Adult Mouse

Source: Herrlinger, S. A. et al. Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult. J. Vis. Exp. (2018) The video demonstrates intracerebral injection of Zika virus suspension in an adult mouse to induce neurodegeneration. An anesthetized mouse is secured in a stereotaxic frame, and a hole is drilled into the exposed skull for injection. A suspension of the Zika virus is injected into the brain tissue. The viral infection causes inflammation, leading to neurodegeneration.