The need for adequate management before, during and after procedures involving laboratory animals is essential to their wellbeing. Thus, the aim of the present study was to standardize a novel method of pinealectomy in Wistar rats. Thirty nullipara females aged 90 days were submitted to dissociative anesthesia. Following fur removal and asepsis, an incision was performed along the dorsal line of the head. Craniotomy was performed with a mini-drill and PM 03 stainless steel drill bit. The pineal gland was removed using a serrated capsule forceps. The bone fragment was replaced and the skin was sutured with simple stitches. The surgical procedure was finalized with antibiotic therapy parenteral serotherapy. Daily follow up was performed and no animal demonstrated any compromised surgical wound with first intention wound healing. The animals exhibited normal physiological acts (feeding, defecation, urination and group socialization). Surgical techniques were performed with the development of research involving the pineal gland. The ideal pinealectomy method consists of little bleeding, a short surgery and a clear view of the pineal gland, thereby diminishing the probability of neurological accidents. Considering the results obtained through the experimental and clinical development, the perfection of the surgical technique involving the PM03 drill bit and serrated capsule forceps was successful in scientific research involving pinealectomy of Wistar rats in terms of quickness and practicality. This article can assist in the optimization of experimental models for subsequent studies involving the pineal gland and the understanding of its complexity over all organism systems.
pineal gland; surgical procedures operative; innovation
