Scope and limitations of in vivo brain dialysis: a comparison of its application to various neurotransmitter systems

Brain dialysis is rapidly becoming a routine research method with a wide range of applications. Since 1982 this sampling technique is frequently used as a method to study the in vivo release of endogenous neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine and certain amino acids. In this review most of the studies that have appeared in this field, are evaluated. Special attention was given to the question whether the neurotransmitter content in the dialysate is related to neurotransmission. Criteria such as the presence of a high tissue/dialysate concentration ratio, the sensitivity of the transmitters to membrane active compounds and the occurrence of receptor-mediated effects, are discussed. It is concluded that dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine found in the dialysate are directly derived from neurotransmission, whereas the overflow of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters is related to neurogenic as well as to metabolic events.