Age-related changes in the dynamics of potassium-evoked L-glutamate release in the striatum of Fischer 344 rats

In the present studies we used a multisite ceramic-based microelectrode for rapid (800 ms) and low level measures of L-glutamate in vivo. We measured the amplitude and clearance rate of phasic changes in L-glutamate release produced by local application of potassium by a micropipette placed adjacent to the recording sites in the striatum of young (6 month), late middle aged (18 month) and aged (24 month) Fischer 344 rats. Our results showed that the amplitudes and clearance rates of potassium-evoked release of L-glutamate in the striatum were significantly decreased in aged rats as compared to the other age groups. In addition, the sensitivity of glutamate fibers to depolarization with potassium was significantly decreased in the aged rats as compared to young animals. Taken together, these data are consistent with age-related alterations in glutamate release dynamics, which may involve a compensatory mechanism for maintaining static glutamate concentrations within the striatum.