Journal of neuroscience methods
-
J. Neurosci. Methods · Sep 2002
In vivo spectroscopy: a novel approach for simultaneously estimating nitric oxide and hemodynamic parameters in the rat brain.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a versatile molecule involved in a wide range of biological processes. Under physiological conditions, NO reacts with oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) to form methemoglobin (MetHb) at a very high rate. Microdialysis studies have used hemoglobin solutions as a trapping method to quantify NO in vivo. ⋯ In addition, data show that similar changes and kinetics can be observed with both techniques. Thus, intravascular MetHb can be used as an indirect index of NO levels. It is proposed that in vivo spectroscopy may be a useful tool to gain insight into the roles of NO in hemodynamic parameters and in other physiological processes such as the regulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
-
J. Neurosci. Methods · Sep 2002
A microdialysis method for the recovery of IL-1beta, IL-6 and nerve growth factor from human brain in vivo.
Intracerebral microdialysis is used extensively as a research tool in the investigation of the neurochemical and metabolic changes that occur following acute brain injury. Microdialysis has enabled elucidation of intra-cerebral levels of substances such as lactate, pyruvate and glycerol but, as yet, has not been used effectively to recover macromolecules from the human brain. ⋯ This report confirms the safety and effectiveness of this modified microdialysis method in the clinical setting of a neurological intensive care unit. The technique provides a timely addition to the armamentarium of the clinical scientist and will potentially lead to a greater understanding of neuroinflammation following acute traumatic brain injury.