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In Vivo Microdialysis and Neurotransmitter Analytical Services

Microdialysis is an in vivo sampling method that is extensively used throughout neuroscience research.This technique uses a probe with a semi-permeable dialysis membrane and can be implanted into various tissue types (e.g.brain, organs, blood vessels). The principle of microdialysis requires that the membrane be perfused with fluid that must equilibrate by diffusion in both directions with the surrounding tissue and allow neurotransmitters to pass through the probe down their concentration gradient. Thus, microdialysis offers unique advantages to the study of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism in combination with freely behaving animals.

Microdialysis Capabilities

We house freely moving rodents with microdialysis and behavior assessment and can perform pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism studies such as:

• Drug-drug interactions/drug metabolism
• Pharmacokinetic relationships
• Dose ranging
• Sample unbound fraction and bioavailability
• Proof of principle

In vivo microdialysis can be performed under the following conditions:

• In a time-dependent manner
• Under freely moving conditions oranesthetized
• Single or dual probe placement
• Local perfusion (reverse dialysis)
• Systemic drug delivery - IP, IV, PO, SC, or ICV
• Microdialysis can be combined with other in vivo techniques (e.g. neurotoxic lesion models; 6-OHDA, kainic acid, saporin conjugates)
• Microdialysis can be performed in parallel with other behavioral monitoring (e.g. EEG, locomotor activity, temperature telemetry)
• Histology services and confirmation of probe location

Advantages of microdialysis sampling:

• Continuous monitoring and sampling over long periods of time
• Whole organism and intact environment

Neurotransmitter Analysis

Quantitative analytical services of neurotransmitters, metabolites and other biomarkers in microdialysis samples, CSF, serum, and tissue are supported by our state of the art instrumentation from ESA-Dionex, Inc.

Our HPLC facility includes:

• 3 ESA CoulArrays w/multichannel detectors; ESA 582 pumps; ESA 542 autosamplers (w/cooling)
• 1 ESA 584 Pump; CouloChem III-EC detector w/ESA 542 autosampler (w/cooling)
• 1 Dionex Ultimate 3000 biocompatible isocratic micropump; CouloChem III-EC detector w/biocompatible autosampler
• 1 Dionex Ultimate 3000 quartenary gradient pump; UHPLC-UV/VIS detector w/autosampler

Analytical methods currently supported by HPLC/EC and HPLC/UV include:

• Monoamines (NE, DA, 5-HT, and all metabolites)
• Acetylcholine
• Amino Acids (e.g. aspartate, glutamate, glycine, and GABA)
• Adenosine
• Biomarkers upon request

In addition, we continue to expand our capabilities and work with clients to develop assays relevant to their particular needs

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       Last Updated Feb 1, 2012