Exploring the Brain by UHPLC-ECD Challenging Analysis of Low Neurotransmitter Levels

To explore biochemical events in the brain, microdialysis is the pre-eminent in vivo sampling technique, enabling the collection of small, hydrophilic endogenous compounds. This tool is applied for neuropharmacological research in rodent models to study the release of different neurotransmitters such as the monoamines dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in specific brain areas [1].

The simultaneous determination of the monoamine neurotransmitters in microdialysis samples is challenging [2]. Because of the low extracellular concentrations (picomolar range) and further dilution in the sample, high method sensitivity is required. Moreover, the aqueous nature and complexity of the sample demand for a selective analytical technique. For this purpose, microbore (1.0 mm i.d. column) ion-pair liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrochemical detection (ECD) is typically applied [3].

UHPLC coupled to ECD is promising for the fast and sensitive determination of the three monoamines in microdialysis samples. UHPLC offers high peak efficiencies and fast separations and ECD completes the challenging analysis due to its high sensitivity and selectivity without the need to derivatize. Because of the relatively low-cost instrumentation, ECD is a valuable detection technique in different fields including neurochemistry.

[1] de Lange E.C. et al.: Adv Drug Deliv Rev 45, 125-148 (2000)
[2] Sarre S. et al.: Westerink B.H.C. et al.: Liquid chromatographic methods used for microdialysis: an overview, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2007
[3] Sarre S. et al.: Methods Mol Biol 72, 185-196 (1997)

Publication year:2013

Keywords:UHPLC, electrochemical detection, monoamines, in vivo microdialysis

Accessibility:Closed