The anterograde tract tracer biotinylated dextran
amine (BDA) has been used to evaluate pyramidal
tract plasticity contralateral to stroke in rats subjected
to permanent focal cerebral ischemia. One percent of
BDA was stereotaxically injected into the motor cortex
at 4 weeks after photothrombotic ischemic surgery
(n = 9/group). 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.