Emerging trends in in vivo neurochemical monitoring by microdialysis.

Emerging trends in in vivo neurochemical monitoring by microdialysis.
Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2013 Jul 12;
Authors: Kennedy RT
Abstract
Mapping chemical dynamics in the brain of live subjects is a challenging but highly rewarding goal because it allows neurotransmitter fluctuations to be related to behavior, drug effects, and disease states. A popular method for such measurements is microdialysis sampling coupled to analytical measurements. This method has become well-established for monitoring low molecular weight neurotransmitters, metabolites, and drugs, especially in pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies. Recent technological developments which improve the temporal and spatial resolution of the methods will enable it to be used for studying behavior and small brain nuclei. Better assays allow monitoring more neurotransmitters simultaneously. Extension to analysis of aggregating proteins like amyloid β is proving extremely useful for uncovering the roles of these molecules and how they contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
PMID: 23856056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Current Opinion in Chemical Biology - July 12, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kennedy RT Tags: Curr Opin Chem Biol Source Type: research