A stereotaxic atlas of the golden hamster brain

This atlas provides a look at the golden hamster brain in stereotaxic coordinates, which is the grid that is used, much like a map, to ensure accuracy within the lab.

It provides a pictorial synopsis of what is currently known about the structure and function of the brain, and provides a consistent anatomical definition and nomenclature (labeling) for areas in the brain.

This is the first atlas to preset the golden hamster brain in stereotaxic coordinates.

The authors use the brain of an adult male golden hamster, the most widely utilized hamster in neuroscience research.

The brains of two different hamsters are used. The first brain is sectioned and stained, using cresyl violet, acetylcholinesterase, Sudan black, and NADPH-diaphorase.

The second brain is stained using cresyl violet, luxol fast blue, serotonin immunoreactivity, and GABA/benzodiazepine receptor immunoreactivity. The key features include: provides the first atlas of the golden hamster brain, making it more accessible to researchers; presents accurate three-dimensional coordinates for stereotaxic surgery; brings together current information about hamster brain structure; and, promotes the use of the hamster for key areas of study - i.e., visual system development and regeneration and measurement of circadian behavioral rhythms.