Innovative Brain Matrix Device-Hypomatrix for Histopathological Studies of Rat Hippocampus

Introduction: Rodents, such as rats, are frequently employed in neuroscience studies. Exact knowledge of the neuroanatomy and recognition of brain regions, as well as their interactions to nearby tissues, are required for precise technique and experiment success. In most studies, the hypothalamus of the rat brain is widely used to study many diseases. Brain sectioning is frequently the first stage in the dissection of certain brain structures. The aim of our study was to produce an innovative hypo matrix that would help compensate for the adversities that are caused by manual conventional grossing.

Materials and Method: For the study 25 rat brain samples were obtained. 20 samples were immersed in formalin overnight and were grossed manually using conventional rat brain grossing method using blades and forceps. 5 rat brain samples were sliced using the hypomatrix which is a rectangular box with a lid containing blades that slice through the brain.

Results: The slides viewed under the microscope showed that the slices of hypothalamus obtained from the samples grossed using the hypomatrix presented a clear picture with least distortion and tissue damages.

Conclusion: The hypomatrix developed has shown better user handling, ease of use, and was better in terms of accuracy and efficacy. It will be helpful in reducing the time needed for the digestion and grossing of rat brain samples using conventional hand grossing hence showing improved time management.