Fluorogold administration via microdialysis labels neurons terminating within the dialysis region

The use of microdialysis to monitor the release of neurotransmitters in selected regions of the CNS has increased substantially in the last several years. We describe here a method for retrogradely labeling neurons that terminate within the effective sampling region surrounding the dialysis cannula. This is accomplished by direct infusion of fluorogold through the dialysis cannula. By combining this technique with immunohistochemistry, it is possible to identify neurons that could contribute to the neurotransmitter release measured by microdialysis.