Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
29
Microdialysis Coupled with Electrochemical
Detection
A Way to Investigate Brain Monoamine Role
in Freely Moving Animals
Ezio Carboni
1. Introduction
Microdialysis technique coupled with electrochemical detection (ED) is a
relatively new method that allows detection of neurotransmitters and other
substances from brain and other tissues. It is based on the insertion of a dialysis
probe in a specifi c area and perfusing it with artifi cial cerebrospinal fl uid (CSF),
which, passing in a chamber delimited by the dialysis fi ber, becomes enriched
with small molecular weight substances diffusing into the fi ber because of
their concentration gradient. Substances recovered can be assayed by high-
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate their concentration
in the dialysate, that is closely related to their extracellular concentration in
the area investigated. After recovery from surgery, therefore, the effects of
drugs or other treatments on the assayed substance can be evaluated in freely
moving animals
(1)
.
1.1. Aim
The intention of this chapter is to provide basic information on assessing brain
monoamines such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NA), and 5-hydroxy-
tryptamine (5-HT) by ED coupled to HPLC. Particular attention is given
to a description of basic equipment and other material needed to set up a
microdialysis laboratory that uses ED to detect monoamines in brain dialysates.
This information could be used to decide either to start such a laboratory,
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