Fig. 1

Continuous collection of a large volume of CSF in the free-moving mouse. a Schematic of the continuous CSF collection in the free-moving mice (left panel). Mouse in the movement-response rotating cage (right panel). Mouse is connected to the sensor-integrated balance arm to suspend and prevent twisting of the CSF tubing. b CSF tubing is fixed onto the AOM with dental cement covering the caudal end of the cranium, CSF tubing, and rostral end of the atlas. CSF is collected via a small hole (~ 0.2 mm of diameter, needs to be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubing) introduced in the AOM and through the CSF tubing connected to the pull continuous flow roller pump (2–5 µL/h). Note that the end of the CSF tubing does not enter the subarachnoid space. c A large volume of clear CSF collected from a single mouse during five consecutive days (right). Conventional single-collection method yields approximately 10 µL of CSF per mouse (left)