Rats were deeply anesthetized (ketamine
and xylazine mixture 30 mg/kg, IP) and placed in a
rat stereotaxic apparatus. BDA was then injected into
contralateral site in the motor cortex [coordinate: AP,
0 mm; ML 2.2 mm; dorsoventral (DV), –2.0 mm]. BDA
in 1l ice-cold sterilized phosphate buffered saline
was used in every animal. The injection rate was
0.2l/min, and the syringe was kept in place for an
additional 5 min before being retracted slowly. Thus,
BDA was visualized by immunohistostaining.