Microdialysis – Monitoring Neurotransmitters in Awake Rats or Mice
Microdialysis allows simultaneous measurements of biogenic amines such as dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and histamine, as well as other neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, glutamate, aspartate, GABA, glycine, neuropeptides and other neuromodulatory molecules. This technique provides the most comprehensive information on dynamic changes in the concentration of molecules involved in intercellular communication and metabolism while preserving overall physiological and behavioral functions.
Effect of sub-chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs on neurotransmitter levels in rat brain. All three monoamines can be measured in the same sample. Top – The serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram produces a selective increase in the levels of serotonin (5-HT) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Bottom: The serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine produces an increase in the levels of 5-HT, noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA).
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Designer drug mimics both MDMA and Amphetamine. Effects of the designer drug mephedrone in the nucleus accumbens of awake rats. Pronounced increases in serotonin levels similar to MDMA (top) and dopamine levels similar to amphetamine (bottom) are observed. These neurochemical effects illustrate the mechanism of action and highlight the abuse potential of this molecule.
