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Rapid changes in striatal ascorbate in response to tail-pinch monitored by constant potential voltammetry.
M G Boutelle1, L Svensson, M Fillenz
1University Laboratory of Physiology, Oxford, U.K.
Neuroscience
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study shows that measuring ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation current in rat brains can monitor real-time changes in brain AA levels. This technique correlates with motor activity and physiological stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Electrochemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (AA) plays a crucial role in brain function.
- Monitoring extracellular brain AA levels in real-time is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for real-time monitoring of extracellular brain ascorbic acid.
- To investigate the relationship between brain AA levels and physiological stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Linear sweep voltammetry with a carbon paste electrode in rat striatum.
- Measurement of ascorbic acid oxidation current at a constant potential.
- Microinjection of ascorbic acid oxidase to confirm specificity.
- Correlation with motor activity and tail-pinch stimuli.
Main Results:
- A distinct peak corresponding to ascorbic acid oxidation was identified.
- The measured current was abolished by ascorbic acid oxidase, confirming its specificity.
- Ascorbic acid current exhibited diurnal variations and coincided with motor activity.
- Tail-pinch stimulus caused an immediate rise in ascorbic acid current.
Conclusions:
- Constant potential amperometry of ascorbic acid oxidation is a viable technique for monitoring extracellular brain AA.
- This method allows for the real-time assessment of brain AA dynamics in response to physiological stimuli.