Figure 8. Schematic representation of the osmotic minipump implantation process.

A. Anesthetize the mouse with isoflurane and shave it by the lower back. Clean the shaved area with ethanol. B. Make a horizontal cut (1.5 cm), taking as a reference the beginning of the hind legs. C. Separate the skin from the back muscle introducing blunt-tipped scissors through the cut. D. Introduce the osmotic minipump previously filled with CNO or saline subcutaneously in the middle of the back. The pump cap in the direction of the animal's head. Close the cut with surgical clips and apply iodine to the area. E. Side view showing the animal awake with the subcutaneously implanted minipump.