Effect of probe size on the concentration of brain extracellular uric acid monitored with carbon paste electrodes

In Vivo Ambient Serotonin Measurements at Carbon-Fiber Microelectrodes

The mechanisms that control extracellular serotonin levels in vivo are not well-defined. This shortcoming makes it very challenging to diagnose and treat the many psychiatric disorders in which serotonin is implicated. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) can measure rapid serotonin release and reuptake events but cannot report critically important ambient serotonin levels. In this Article, we use fast-scan controlled adsorption voltammetry (FSCAV), to measure serotonin's steady-state, extracellular chemistry. We characterize the "Jackson" voltammetric waveform for FSCAV and show highly stable, selective, and sensitive ambient serotonin measurements in vitro. In vivo, we report basal serotonin levels in the CA2 region of the hippocampus as 64.9 ± 2.3 nM (n = 15 mice, weighted average ± standard error). We electrochemically and pharmacologically verify the selectivity of the serotonin signal. Finally, we develop a statistical model that incorporates the uncertainty in in vivo measurements, in addition to electrode variability, to more critically analyze the time course of pharmacological data. Our novel method is a uniquely powerful analysis tool that can provide deeper insights into the mechanisms that control serotonin's extracellular levels.

A review of flux considerations for in vivo neurochemical measurements

The mass transport or flux of neurochemicals in the brain and how this flux affects chemical measurements and their interpretation is reviewed. For all endogenous neurochemicals found in the brain, the flux of each of these neurochemicals exists between sources that produce them and the sites that consume them all within μm distances. Principles of convective-diffusion are reviewed with a significant emphasis on the tortuous paths and discrete point sources and sinks. The fundamentals of the primary methods of detection, microelectrodes and microdialysis sampling of brain neurochemicals are included in the review. Special attention is paid to the change in the natural flux of the neurochemicals caused by implantation and consumption at microelectrodes and uptake by microdialysis. The detection of oxygen, nitric oxide, glucose, lactate, and glutamate, and catecholamines by both methods are examined and where possible the two techniques (electrochemical vs. microdialysis) are compared. Non-invasive imaging methods: magnetic resonance, isotopic fluorine MRI, electron paramagnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography are also used for different measurements of the above-mentioned solutes and these are briefly reviewed. Although more sophisticated, the imaging techniques are unable to track neurochemical flux on short time scales, and lack spatial resolution. Where possible, determinations of flux using imaging are compared to the more classical techniques of microdialysis and microelectrodes.

Electrochemical Analysis of Neurotransmitters

Chemical signaling through the release of neurotransmitters into the extracellular space is the primary means of communication between neurons. More than four decades ago, Ralph Adams and his colleagues realized the utility of electrochemical methods for the study of easily oxidizable neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin and their metabolites. Today, electrochemical techniques are frequently coupled to microelectrodes to enable spatially resolved recordings of rapid neurotransmitter dynamics in a variety of biological preparations spanning from single cells to the intact brain of behaving animals. In this review, we provide a basic overview of the principles underlying constant-potential amperometry and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, the most commonly employed electrochemical techniques, and the general application of these methods to the study of neurotransmission. We thereafter discuss several recent developments in sensor design and experimental methodology that are challenging the current limitations defining the application of electrochemical methods to neurotransmitter measurements.

Changes in reward-related signals in the rat nucleus accumbens measured by in vivo oxygen amperometry are consistent with fMRI BOLD responses in man

Real-time in vivo oxygen amperometry, a technique that allows measurement of regional brain tissue oxygen (O(2)) has been previously shown to bear relationship to the BOLD signal measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocols. In the present study, O(2) amperometry was applied to the study of reward processing in the rat nucleus accumbens to validate the technique with a behavioural process known to cause robust signals in human neuroimaging studies. After acquisition of a cued-lever pressing task a robust increase in O(2) tissue levels was observed in the nucleus accumbens specifically following a correct lever press to the rewarded cue. This O(2) signal was modulated by cue reversal but not lever reversal, by differences in reward magnitudes and by the motivational state of the animal consistent with previous reports of the role of the nucleus accumbens in both the anticipation and representation of reward value. Moreover, this modulation by reward value was related more to the expected incentive value rather than the hedonic value of reward, also consistent with previous reports of accumbens coding of "wanting" of reward. Altogether, these results show striking similarities to those obtained in human fMRI studies suggesting the use of oxygen amperometry as a valid surrogate for fMRI in animals performing cognitive tasks, and a powerful approach to bridge between different techniques of measurement of brain function.

Characterisation of carbon paste electrodes for real-time amperometric monitoring of brain tissue oxygen

Tissue O₂ can be monitored using a variety of electrochemical techniques and electrodes. In vitro and in vivo characterisation studies for O₂ reduction at carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) using constant potential amperometry (CPA) are presented. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that an applied potential of -650 mV is required for O₂ reduction at CPEs. High sensitivity (-1.49 ± 0.01 nA/μM), low detection limit (ca. 0.1 μM) and good linear response characteristics (R² > 0.99) were observed in calibration experiments performed at this potential. There was also no effect of pH, temperature, and ion changes, and no dependence upon flow/fluid convection (stirring). Several compounds (e.g. dopamine and its metabolites) present in brain extracellular fluid were tested at physiological concentrations and shown not to interfere with the CPA O₂ signal. In vivo experiments confirmed a sub-second response time observed in vitro and demonstrated long-term stability extending over twelve weeks, with minimal O₂ consumption (ca. 1 nmol/h). These results indicate that CPEs operating amperometrically at a constant potential of -650 mV (vs. SCE) can be used reliably to continuously monitor brain extracellular tissue O₂.

Characterization of local pH changes in brain using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry with carbon microelectrodes

Transient local pH changes in the brain are important markers of neural activity that can be used to follow metabolic processes that underlie the biological basis of behavior, learning and memory. There are few methods that can measure pH fluctuations with sufficient time resolution in freely moving animals. Previously, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes was used for the measurement of such pH transients. However, the origin of the potential dependent current in the cyclic voltammograms for pH changes recorded in vivo was unclear. The current work explored the nature of these peaks and established the origin for some of them. A peak relating to the capacitive nature of the pH CV was identified. Adsorption of electrochemically inert species, such as aromatic amines and calcium could suppress this peak, and is the origin for inconsistencies regarding in vivo and in vitro data. Also, we identified an extra peak in the in vivo pH CV relating to the presence of 3,4-dihydroxyacetic acid (DOPAC) in the brain extracellular fluid. To evaluate the in vivo performance of the carbon-fiber sensor, carbon dioxide inhalation by an anesthetized rat was used to induce brain acidosis induced by hypercapnia. Hypercapnia is demonstrated to be a useful tool to induce robust in vivo pH changes, allowing confirmation of the pH signal observed with FSCV.

Real-time monitoring of brain tissue oxygen using a miniaturized biotelemetric device implanted in freely moving rats

A miniaturized biotelemetric device for the amperometric detection of brain tissue oxygen is presented. The new system, derived from a previous design, has been coupled with a carbon microsensor for the real-time detection of dissolved O(2) in the striatum of freely moving rats. The implantable device consists of a single-supply sensor driver, a current-to-voltage converter, a microcontroller, and a miniaturized data transmitter. The oxygen current is converted to a digital value by means of an analog-to-digital converter integrated in a peripheral interface controller (PIC). The digital data is sent to a personal computer using a six-byte packet protocol by means of a miniaturized 434 MHz amplitude modulation (AM) transmitter. The receiver unit is connected to a personal computer (PC) via a universal serial bus. Custom developed software allows the PC to store and plot received data. The electronics were calibrated and tested in vitro under different experimental conditions and exhibited high stability, low power consumption, and good linear response in the nanoampere current range. The in vivo results confirmed previously published observations on oxygen dynamics in the striatum of freely moving rats. The system serves as a rapid and reliable model for studying the effects of different drugs on brain oxygen and brain blood flow and it is suited to work with direct-reduction sensors or O(2)-consuming biosensors.

Chronic microsensors for longitudinal, subsecond dopamine detection in behaving animals

Neurotransmission operates on a millisecond timescale but is changed by normal experience or neuropathology over days to months. Despite the importance of long-term neurotransmitter dynamics, no technique exists to track these changes in a subject from day to day over extended periods of time. Here we describe and characterize a microsensor that can detect the neurotransmitter dopamine with subsecond temporal resolution over months in vivo in rats and mice.

Contributions by a novel edge effect to the permselectivity of an electrosynthesized polymer for microbiosensor applications

Pt electrodes of different sizes (2 x 10(-5)-2 x 10(-2) cm(2)) and geometries (disks and cylinders) were coated with the ultrathin non-conducting form of poly(o-phenylenediamine), PPD, using amperometric electrosynthesis. Analysis of the ascorbic acid (AA) and H(2)O(2) apparent permeabilities for these Pt/PPD sensors revealed that the PPD deposited near the electrode insulation (Teflon or glass edge) was not as effective as the bulk surface PPD for blocking AA access to the Pt substrate. This discovery impacts on the design of implantable biosensors where electrodeposited polymers, such as PPD, are commonly used as the permselective barrier to block electroactive interference by reducing agents present in the target medium. The undesirable "edge effect" was particularly marked for small disk electrodes which have a high edge density (ratio of PPD-insulation edge length to electrode area), but was essentially absent for cylinder electrodes with a length of >0.2 mm. Sample biosensors, with a configuration based on these findings (25 microm diameter Pt fiber cylinders) and designed for brain neurotransmitter L-glutamate, behaved well in vitro in terms of Glu sensitivity and AA blocking.

Biotelemetric monitoring of brain neurochemistry in conscious rats using microsensors and biosensors

In this study we present the real-time monitoring of three key brain neurochemical species in conscious rats using implantable amperometric electrodes interfaced to a biotelemetric device. The new system, derived from a previous design, was coupled with carbon-based microsensors and a platinum-based biosensor for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA), O₂ and glucose in the striatum of untethered, freely-moving rats. The miniaturized device consisted of a single-supply sensor driver, a current-to-voltage converter, a microcontroller and a miniaturized data transmitter. The redox currents were digitized to digital values by means of an analog-to-digital converter integrated in a peripheral interface controller (PIC), and sent to a personal computer by means of a miniaturized AM transmitter. The electronics were calibrated and tested in vitro under different experimental conditions and exhibited high stability, low power consumption and good linear response in the nanoampere current range. The in-vivo results confirmed previously published observations on striatal AA, oxygen and glucose dynamics recorded in tethered rats. This approach, based on simple and inexpensive components, could be used as a rapid and reliable model for studying the effects of different drugs on brain neurochemical systems.

Neurochemical and morphological responses to acutely and chronically implanted brain microdialysis probes

The purpose of this study was to compare, in rats, brain microdialysis results obtained using microdialysis probes implanted acutely for 2 h versus probes implanted chronically for 24 h in the caudate. Specific comparisons included: (1) dialysate purine and amino acid profiles during cerebral ischemia; (2) diffusional characteristics of the microdialysis probe; and (3) tissue morphology surrounding the probe. During ischemia, the increase in dialysate levels of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine was less pronounced from probes implanted chronically, while dialysate xanthine levels increased to a greater extent. An increase in dialysate amino acid neurotransmitters during cerebral ischemia was observed in the acutely implanted probes within 10 min of the onset of cerebral ischemia; in the chronically implanted probes this increase did not occur until after 50 min of severe ischemia. Both in vitro and in vivo tests revealed a diffusional barrier in chronically implanted probes. Moreover, the tissue surrounding chronically implanted probes exhibited a high degree of inflammation, and fibrin deposits were substantial. In addition, uric acid levels (an indicator of tissue injury) sampled from chronically implanted probes were 7-fold greater than levels sampled from acutely implanted probes. These data raise concerns about the use of chronically implanted microdialysis probes for the measurement of purine and amino acid profiles during cerebral ischemia.

Effect of morphine on striatal dopamine metabolism and ascorbic and uric acid release in freely moving rats

Recent ex vivo findings have shown that morphine increases dopamine (DA) and xanthine oxidative metabolism and ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation in the rat striatum. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of subcutaneous daily morphine (20 mg/kg) administration on DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), AA and uric acid in the striatum of freely moving rats using microdialysis. Dialysates were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. On the first day, morphine administration caused a significant increase in extracellular DA, DOPAC, HVA, AA and uric acid concentrations over a 3 h period after morphine. In all treated rats (n = 7), individual concentrations of DOPAC + HVA were directly correlated with individual AA and uric acid concentrations. Last morphine administration on the 4th day increased DOPAC, HVA, AA and uric acid concentrations but failed to increase those of DA. Individual DOPAC + HVA concentrations were still directly correlated with individual AA and uric acid concentrations. These results suggest that systemic morphine increases both striatal DA release and DA and xanthine oxidative metabolism. Only the former effect undergoes tolerance. The increase in DA oxidative metabolism is highly correlated with that of xanthine. The subsequent enhancement in reactive oxygen species production may account for the increase in extracellular AA.

Amperometric microsensors for monitoring choline in the extracellular fluid of brain

Selective amperometric enzyme microsensors for monitoring low micromolar concentrations of choline in extracellular fluid of rat brain have been developed. Preparation of the choline microsensors involved the modification of carbon fiber microcylinder electrodes (10 microns diameter, 300-400 microns long) with a cross-linked redox-active gel containing horseradish peroxidase and choline oxidase. Rejection of the noise recorded from the choline microsensors implanted in living brain tissue improved the in vivo detection capabilities of the sensors. The microsensors and a differential detection scheme were used to estimate the basal concentration of choline in striatal tissue at 6.6 +/- 2.9 microM and to measure changes in choline concentrations of 6.1 +/- 2.7 microM in vivo. The microsensors were also used to monitor choline produced following the injections of acetylcholine in vivo. Coinjections of neostigmine and acetylcholine significantly lowered the choline response recorded with the microsensors, confirming that the response following the injections of acetylcholine alone was due to the activity of endogenous acetylcholinesterase. Comparison of the maximal rate of decrease in choline concentration following the injections of 1 mM choline and 1 mM acetylcholine was used to estimate the rate of acetylcholine clearance from extracellular fluid through cholinesterase activity at approx. 2.5 microM/min.

Changes in uric acid during acute infusion of MPP+, 6-OHDA, and FeCl3. A microdialysis study in the substantia nigra of the guinea pig

Extracellular uric acid levels were measured in the substantia nigra of guinea pigs via microdialysis/liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCED) during infusion (60 min) of N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), or iron (III) chloride (FeCl3). Striatal and substantia nigra (SN) tissues were analyzed for uric acid (UA) and dopamine (DA) 3 h postinfusion. MPP+ infusion resulted in an increase in extracellular UA of 222 +/- 6%. The ipsilateral/contralateral ratio of nigral UA tissue levels was significantly increased over vehicle controls. Infusion of 6-OHDA produced an increase of 362 +/- 44% in extracellular UA. No significant changes were seen in UA tissue levels in either the striatum or the SN. Infusion of FeCl3 produced a significant decrease in extracellular nigral UA levels to 21.5 +/- 0.7% of preinfusion levels. The ipsilateral/contralateral ratio of nigral UA tissue levels increased by 38%, whereas the striatal ratio value decreased to 62% of the vehicle control levels. No changes in DA tissue levels were observed in any of the brain regions in the experimental groups. These results indicate that infusion of neurotoxins known to affect dopaminergic cells generates an acute change in UA levels within the nigrostriatal system of guinea pigs.

On the significance of brain extracellular uric acid detected with in-vivo monitoring techniques: a review

The concentration of uric acid [UA] in the extracellular fluid (ECF) estimated with in-vivo voltammetry and microdialysis data is compared for probes of different diameters from the day of implantation (acute) to several days (chronic) or even months after surgery. For small probes (diameter < 160 microns) the acute [UA] of ca. 5 microM decreased significantly to ca. 1 microM under chronic conditions. For larger probes (e.g., 320-microns diameter) the acute [UA] was also ca. 5 microM, but this value significantly increased to ca. 50 microM under chronic conditions. Associated with this difference in [UA], there were parallel differences in the extent of gliosis around the probes. These findings are discussed in terms of possible sources of extracellular UA and their implications for in-vivo monitoring techniques in behaving animals.