Characterizing stearate probes in vitro for the electrochemical detection of dopamine and serotonin

This paper describes an electrochemical method for the detection of dopamine and serotonin in vitro. Dopamine and serotonin can be distinguished from each other without interference from metabolites. 3-4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The method also provides selective differentiation of dopamine and serotonin in the presence of other possible interfering chemicals, ascorbic acid and uric acid. Specific details for voltammetric technology, electrode fabrication, electrode conditioning, paste synthesis and experimental protocol are presented. The method uses semidifferential treatment of voltammetric data in conjunction with a graphite stearate indicator electrode. The methodology is relevant to the interpretation of electrochemical signals for dopamine and serotonin in vivo in neuroanatomical substrates, richly innervated by dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal circuitry.