Versatility of Positioning
The manipulator arm controls medio-lateral and vertical positioning via lead screws with 80 mm
of travel. This allows the fastest positioning possible, consistent with lining up the scales easily at a given coordinate. The anteroposterior movement is controlled via a dovetail slide ovement, with 80 mm of travel possible in each direction. A universal joint allows the investigator to hange the angle of the probe up to 90° in either the antero-posterior or medio-lateral planes. The locking mechanismwill hold any angle position without drift or creep. It also provides an absolute lock at 90° vertical.
Easily Read Scales
All scales are oriented to be read easily from the open end of the “U”. This is the position from which most scientists prefer to work. The numerals on the scales are clear and easy to read. Precise alignment with facing vernier scales gives accurate resolution to 0.1 mm. Vernier scales can also be augmented with a digital LCD position readout similar to a digital Vernier caliper. This option extends the readable resolution to 10 microns.
Covenient for Electrophysiology
The entire Stereotaxic frame including the dovetails, manipulator arms and base are electrically continuous. Grounding of the entire frame including the base plate can beaccomplished by connecting the provided grounding stud to earth. This is ideal for electrophysiological studies where the animal and surrounding structures need to be grounded to reduce electrical noise.
Dual Manipulator Model
The 502603 Dual Manipulator has 3-dimensional manipulator arms on both sides. The second manipulator arm can be installed at time of order or added later by the user. Dual manipulators are very useful in studies in which double injections or simultaneous stimulation and recording are necessary.
Included Components
Both the 502600 and 502603 include the Uframe base plate, manipulator arm(s), standard probe holder(s) with corner clamp, and Rat Adaptor (nose clamp assembly and 18° taper ear bars). The 502650 and 502653 include non-puncture 45° ear bars instead of 18° ear
bars.
Selection of Accessories
Species adaptors are available to fit rat, cat/ monkey, mouse, guinea pig and small bird. Probe holders and species adaptors for “U” frame stereotaxic instruments from other manufacturers are generally compatible with the WPI’s stereotaxic frame.

Mouse and Neonatal Rat Adaptor
For 502600 Series Stereotaxic Instruments

The WPI Mouse and Neonatal Rat Adaptor employs light, Delrin® ear bars with tapered points on one end and rubber pads on the other to facilitate surgery on mice and rat pups.

Ear bars may be independently adjusted in height to level the skull. Laser engraved scales show the vertical positions of the ear bars. A tooth bar and nose clamp secures the nose. A well in the thick aluminum body may be filled with dry ice and alcohol for hypothermic anesthesia of neonatal animals. The 502063 Adaptor clamps securely on the right side of the “U” frame of the stereotaxic instrument.

Model organisms with soft skulls, such as the mouse and the neonatal rat, are difficult to secure firmly in a traditional stereotaxic instrument. The stainless steel ear bars used for adult rats are too heavy to provide a secure hold without compressing the sides of the skull inward (which closes the airways and impedes blood flow.) Further, the neonatal rat pup has no external opening of the auditory canal into which to insert the ear bar points.

The specialized jaw holder cuffs (502080) securely clamp the zygomatic processes of the skull. The jaw holder cuffs fit over the ends of the ear bars, replacing the rubber pads, providing an alternative non-invasive means of securing the animal’s head in the stereotaxic stage. These options for “triple point” securing of the animal’s head in this adaptor make it the most versatile
mouse stereotaxic available. Set of two jaw holder cuffs included.