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Ex Vivo Electrochemical Monitoring of Cholinergic Signaling in the Mouse Colon Using an Enzyme-Based Biosensor
Skye Henderson1, Madison Strait2, Roxanne Fernandes3
1Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, Ames, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|September 8, 2023
Summary
This study developed an electrochemical biosensor to measure acetylcholine release in the gut, aiding research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Electrochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cholinergic signaling, mediated by acetylcholine, is crucial for cognitive functions and gut motility.
- Dysregulation of acetylcholine is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize an enzyme-based electrochemical biosensor for monitoring gut cholinergic signaling.
- To measure acetylcholine release in ex vivo mouse colon tissue.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of platinum microelectrode biosensors with a poly(m-phenylenediamine) permselective layer.
- Immobilization of choline oxidase and acetylcholinesterase for acetylcholine detection via hydrogen peroxide production.
- Electrochemical detection of acetylcholine release from mouse myenteric ganglia.
Main Results:
- The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity (190 ± 10 mA mol⁻¹ L cm⁻²), a low limit of detection (0.8 μmol L⁻¹), and good reproducibility (6.1% RSD).
- The sensor successfully detected electrically stimulated acetylcholine release in mouse colon tissue.
- Measurements were validated in the presence of tetrodotoxin and neostigmine.
Conclusions:
- The developed biosensor is a viable tool for quantifying acetylcholine release in the gastrointestinal tract.
- This technology can advance the study of gut-brain axis disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
