The extent of damage surrounding an implanted electrode in the cerebral cortex is a question of significant importance with regard to attaining consistency and validity of physiological recordings. In order to determine the extent of such tissue changes, 150 micron diameter platinum electrodes were implanted in the cortex of four adult baboons, and after eight days the animals were sacrificed by whole body perfusion with a 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate fixative.The calvarium was carefully removed and the electrode tracts were readily discernible in the firm, glutaraldehyde fixed tissue.Careful dissection of the zone of the electrode tract resulted in a small block which was further sectioned into tip, mid-tract and surface areas. Ultrastructurally, damage extended from the electrode sheath to the greatest extent of from 0.2 to 3.5 mm.
