In vivo voltammetry: from wire to wireless measurements

J Neurosci Methods. 2004 Dec 30;140(1-2):153-61. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2004.06.018.

Abstract

A novel telemetric system based on either differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) or direct current amperometry (DCA) by using a diffused infrared transmission channel is presented. Unlike similar pre-existing instruments based on infrared transmission, the present system works on a single-way communication, thus avoiding problems related to cross-talking between two-way channels. The infrared channel is also immune from electromagnetic interferences from the surrounding environment. Further advancement is the development of an original miniaturised system (dimension 1cm x 1.2 cm x 0.5 cm) with reduced weight (5-6 g), suitable for affixing to the rat head and allowing real time telemetric monitoring using DCA sampling of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin every 100 ms. The set-up is based on a transmitter (TX) circuit mounted on the animal's head and connected to the electrodes inserted into its brain. The TX circuit generates the proper electrical signals for DPV or DCA, collects the electrical response of the brain and transmits it, via an infrared channel, to a receiving station (RX) interfaced with a personal computer. The PC performs the sampling and elaboration of polarographic traces in a flexible and programmable way.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay / instrumentation
  • Biological Assay / methods*
  • Biosensing Techniques / standards
  • Biosensing Techniques / trends*
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrodes, Implanted / standards
  • Electrodes, Implanted / trends
  • Infrared Rays
  • Male
  • Neurochemistry / instrumentation
  • Neurochemistry / methods*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / analysis*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Telemetry / instrumentation
  • Telemetry / methods*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine