Simultaneous determination of vigabatrin and amino acid neurotransmitters in brain microdialysates by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Significance of an Electrochemical Sensor and Nanocomposites: Toward the Electrocatalytic Detection of Neurotransmitters and Their Importance within the Physiological System

A prominent neurotransmitter (NT), dopamine (DA), is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between one neuron to the next to pass on a signal to and from the central nervous system (CNS). The imbalanced concentration of DA may cause numerous neurological sicknesses and syndromes, for example, Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia. There are many types of NTs in the brain, including epinephrine, norepinephrine (NE), serotonin, and glutamate. Electrochemical sensors have offered a creative direction to biomedical analysis and testing. Researches are in progress to improve the performance of sensors and develop new protocols for sensor design. This review article focuses on the area of sensor growth to discover the applicability of polymers and metallic particles and composite materials as tools in electrochemical sensor surface incorporation. Electrochemical sensors have attracted the attention of researchers as they possess high sensitivity, quick reaction rate, good controllability, and instantaneous detection. Efficient complex materials provide considerable benefits for biological detection as they have exclusive chemical and physical properties. Due to distinctive electrocatalytic characteristics, metallic nanoparticles add fascinating traits to materials that depend on the material's morphology and size. Herein, we have collected much information on NTs and their importance within the physiological system. Furthermore, the electrochemical sensors and corresponding techniques (such as voltammetric, amperometry, impedance, and chronoamperometry) and the different types of electrodes' roles in the analysis of NTs are discussed. Furthermore, other methods for detecting NTs include optical and microdialysis methods. Finally, we show the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and conclude remarks with future perspectives.

A comprehensive review on LED-induced fluorescence in diagnostic pathology

Sensitivity, specificity, mobility, and affordability are important criteria to consider for developing diagnostic instruments in common use. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been demonstrating substantial potential in the clinical diagnosis of diseases and evaluating the underlying causes of pathogenesis. A higher degree of device integration with appropriate sensitivity and reasonable cost would further boost the value of the fluorescence techniques in clinical diagnosis and aid in the reduction of healthcare expenses, which is a key economic concern in emerging markets. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are inexpensive and smaller are attractive alternatives to conventional excitation sources in fluorescence spectroscopy, are gaining a lot of momentum in the development of affordable, compact analytical instruments of clinical relevance. The commercial availability of a broad range of LED wavelengths (255-4600 nm) has opened up new avenues for targeting a wide range of clinically significant molecules (both endogenous and exogenous), thereby diagnosing a range of clinical illnesses. As a result, we have specifically examined the uses of LED-induced fluorescence (LED-IF) in preclinical and clinical evaluations of pathological conditions, considering the present advancements in the field.

GABA in Paraventricular Nucleus Regulates Adipose Afferent Reflex in Rats

BACKGROUND

Chemical stimulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) induces adipose afferent reflex (AAR), and thereby causes a general sympathetic activation. Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is important in control of sympathetic outflow. This study was designed to investigate the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in PVN in regulating the AAR.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Experiments were carried out in anesthetized rats. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were continuously recorded. AAR was evaluated by the RSNA and MAP responses to electrical stimulation of the right epididymal WAT (eWAT) afferent nerve. Electrical stimulation of eWAT afferent nerve increase RSNA. Bilateral microinjection of the GABAA receptor agonist isoguvacine or the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen attenuated the AAR. The effect of isoguvacine on the AAR was greater than that of baclofen. The GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine enhanced the AAR, while the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP-35348 had no significant effect on the AAR. Bilateral PVN microinjection of vigabatrin, a selective GABA-transaminase inhibitor, to increase endogenous GABA levels in the PVN abolished the AAR. The inhibitory effect of vigabatrin on the AAR was attenuated by the pretreatment with gabazine or CGP-35348. Pretreatment with combined gabazine and CGP-35348 abolished the effects of vigabatrin.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of GABAA or GABAB receptors in the PVN inhibits the AAR. Blockade of GABAA receptors in the PVN enhances the AAR. Endogenous GABA in the PVN plays an important role in regulating the AAR.

An update of the classical and novel methods used for measuring fast neurotransmitters during normal and brain altered function

To understand better the cerebral functions, several methods have been developed to study the brain activity, they could be related with morphological, electrophysiological, molecular and neurochemical techniques. Monitoring neurotransmitter concentration is a key role to know better how the brain works during normal or pathological conditions, as well as for studying the changes in neurotransmitter concentration with the use of several drugs that could affect or reestablish the normal brain activity. Immediate response of the brain to environmental conditions is related with the release of the fast acting neurotransmission by glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) through the opening of ligand-operated ion channels. Neurotransmitter release is mainly determined by the classical microdialysis technique, this is generally coupled to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detection of neurotransmitters can be done by fluorescence, optical density, electrochemistry or other detection systems more sophisticated. Although the microdialysis method is the golden technique to monitor the brain neurotransmitters, it has a poor temporal resolution. Recently, with the use of biosensor the drawback of temporal resolution has been improved considerably, however other inconveniences have merged, such as stability, reproducibility and the lack of reliable biosensors mainly for GABA. The aim of this review is to show the important advances in the different ways to measure neurotransmitter concentrations; both with the use of classic techniques as well as with the novel methods and alternant approaches to improve the temporal resolution.

Analytical methods for brain targeted delivery system in vivo: perspectives on imaging modalities and microdialysis

Since the introduction of microdialysis in 1974, the semi-invasive analytical method has grown exponentially. Microdialysis is one of the most potential analysis technologies of pharmacological drug delivery to the brain. In recent decades, analysis of chemicals targeting the brain has led to many improvements. It seems likely that fluorescence imaging was limited to ex vivo and in vitro applications with the exception of several intravital microscopy and photographic imaging approaches. X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) have been commonly utilized for visualization of distribution and therapeutic effects of drugs. The efficient analytical methods for studies of brain-targeting delivery system is a major challenge in detecting the disposition as well as the variances of the factors that regulate the substances delivery into the brain. In this review, we highlight some of the ongoing trends in imaging modalities and the most recent developments in the field of microdialysis of live animals and present insights into exploiting brain disease for therapeutic and diagnostics purpose.

Determination of GABA, glutamate and carbamathione in brain microdialysis samples by capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection

Disulfiram has been used as a deterrent in the treatment of alcohol abuse for almost 60 years. Our laboratory has shown that a disulfiram metabolite, S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) glutathione (carbamathione), is formed from disulfiram and appears in the brain after the administration of disulfiram. Carbamathione does not inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase but has been shown to be a partial non-competitive inhibitor of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid glutamate (Glu) receptor. In light of disulfiram's apparent clinical effectiveness in cocaine dependence, and carbamathione's effect on the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor, the effect of carbamathione on brain Glu and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) needs to be further examined. A CE-LIF method based on derivatization with napthalene-2,3-dicarboxyaldehyde to simultaneously detect both neurotransmitter amino acids and carbamathione in brain microdialysis samples is described. The separation of Glu, GABA and carbamathione was carried out using a 50 mmol/L boric acid buffer (pH 9.6) on a 75 cm×50 μm id fused-silica capillary (60 cm effective) at +27.5 kV voltage with a run time of 11 min. The detection limits for Glu, GABA and carbamathione were 6, 10 and 15 nmol/L, respectively. This method was used to monitor carbamathione and the amino acid neurotransmitters in brain microdialysis samples from the nucleus accumbens after the administration of an intravenous dose of the drug (200 mg/kg) and revealed a carbamathione-induced change in GABA and Glu levels. This method demonstrates a simple, rapid and accurate measurement of two amino acid neurotransmitters and carbamathione for in vivo monitoring in the brain using microdialysis sampling.

Fast determination of glutathione by capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection using beta-cyclodextrin as modifier

A rapid analytical method was developed for the quantitative determination of glutathione (GSH) using capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence detection. A fluorescence derivatization reagent, naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) was successfully applied to label GSH. The optimal derivatization reaction was performed with 5.0 mM NDA, 20 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2) with the reaction time of 4 min at room temperature. The capillary electrophoresis analysis of GSH could be achieved in less than 120 s using 10 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 9.2) containing 2.5 mM beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) as the running buffer, and the detection limit of 2.5 x 10(-9) M (S/N=3) was obtained. This method was successfully applied to analyze the content of GSH in tobacco BY-2 cells.

Review of recent advances in analytical techniques for the determination of neurotransmitters

Methods and advances for monitoring neurotransmitters in vivo or for tissue analysis of neurotransmitters over the last five years are reviewed. The review is organized primarily by neurotransmitter type. Transmitter and related compounds may be monitored by either in vivo sampling coupled to analytical methods or implanted sensors. Sampling is primarily performed using microdialysis, but low-flow push-pull perfusion may offer advantages of spatial resolution while minimizing the tissue disruption associated with higher flow rates. Analytical techniques coupled to these sampling methods include liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, enzyme assays, sensors, and mass spectrometry. Methods for the detection of amino acid, monoamine, neuropeptide, acetylcholine, nucleoside, and soluble gas neurotransmitters have been developed and improved upon. Advances in the speed and sensitivity of these methods have enabled improvements in temporal resolution and increased the number of compounds detectable. Similar advances have enabled improved detection at tissue samples, with a substantial emphasis on single cell and other small samples. Sensors provide excellent temporal and spatial resolution for in vivo monitoring. Advances in application to catecholamines, indoleamines, and amino acids have been prominent. Improvements in stability, sensitivity, and selectivity of the sensors have been of paramount interest.

Determination of vigabatrin in human plasma by means of CE with LIF detection

A method has been developed for the quantitation of the antiepileptic drug vigabatrin (VGB) in human plasma. It is based on CE with LIF detection. The effect of the pH of the buffer and of N-methylglucamine (GLC) as BGE constituent was investigated. The final BGE consisted of 50 mM borate buffer, pH 9.0, with 100 mM GLC and enabled separation within 12 min at 20 kV voltage. An SPE procedure was used for the pretreatment of biological samples, based on mixed-mode lipophilic-cation exchange cartridges, followed by a derivatization step with 6-carboxyfluorescein-N-succinimidyl ester (CFSE). Fluorescence was excited by an Ar-ion laser (lambda(exc) = 488 nm). Linearity was observed in the 10-120 microg/mL plasma concentration range. Extraction yield was >96%, precision (expressed as RSD) <6.7% and accuracy (recovery) was between 97.0 and 101.6%. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of VGB in plasma of epileptic patients undergoing therapy with the drug.

Capillary electrophoresis of phosphorylated amino acids with fluorescence detection

A rapid and sensitive capillary electrophoresis (CE) method coupled with fluorescence detection was developed for identification of protein phosphorylation by determination of phosphoamino acids. Naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA), a fluorescence derivatization reagent, was used to label protein hydrolysate. The optimal derivatization reaction was performed with 3.5mM NDA, 40 mM NaCN and 20mM borate buffer (pH 10.0) for 15 min. The baseline separation of three phosphorylated amino acids could be obtained in less than 180 s with good repeatability by using 30 mM borate (pH 9.2) containing 2.0mM beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) as the running buffer. The detection limits for phosphothreonine, phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine were 7.0 x 10(-9)M, 5.6 x 10(-9)M and 7.2 x 10(-9)M, respectively (S/N=3). Also, the interference from other protein amino acids with large molar excess over that of phosphoamino acids was studied. With beta-casein as the analysis protein, this method was successfully validated.

[Microdialysis and brain injury: importance of animal study]

Brain microdialysis allows the exploration of brain extracellular medium. This review discusses the main contribution of brain microdialysis for the knowledge of the pathophysiology of brain ischemia and trauma. We describe fundamental principle of microdialysis, limits, and validated metabolic parameters as the lactate/pyruvate ratio or glycerol. The interest to use microdialysis for testing metabolic hypothesis and potential scientific research ways will also be discussed.

Recent advances in amino acid analysis by capillary electrophoresis

This paper describes a number of articles that have been published on amino acid analysis using CE during the period from June 2003 to May 2005. This review article follows the previous ones of Smith (Electrophoresis 1999, 20, 3078-3083), Prata et al. (Electrophoresis 2001, 22, 4129-4138), and Poinsot et al. (Electrophoresis 2003, 24, 4047-4062). Several new developments in amino acid analysis with CE are reported concerning UV detection, LIF, MS, and NMR. In addition, we describe articles concerning clinical and pharmaceutical studies, neuroclinical applications, and agricultural and food analysis.

MEKC-LIF of gamma-amino butyric acid in microdialysate: systematic optimization of the separation conditions by factorial analysis

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography allows the efficient separation of biogenic amines and amino acids in biological samples. Analytes of interest, sample composition, and sample matrix may vary between studies, which necessitates optimization of separations to meet the requirements and conditions of an experiment. Factorial analysis is an efficient tool to accomplish this type of optimization involving multiple interacting factors. The present study describes an optimization procedure for separation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA utilizing capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection. Standards labeled with the flourogenic reagent 3-(2-furoyl)quinoline-2 carboxaldehyde were separated with varying concentrations of borate buffer, beta-cyclodextrin, sodium dodecyl sulfate and pH. The optimized separation method had a correlation coefficient between concentration of GABA and fluorescent signal of 0.98, and was linear in the desired concentration range of 25 nM-10 microM. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid and taurine were also quantified using this separation. When applied to microdialysate collected from the region of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, this separation was able to measure daily variations in GABA levels. The factorial design experiment has proven to be a useful tool, allowing adjustments in the separation of neurotransmitters based on individual requirements.

Laser-induced fluorescence detection schemes for the analysis of proteins and peptides using capillary electrophoresis

Over the past few years, a large number of studies have been prepared that describe the analysis of peptides and proteins using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). These studies have focused on two general goals: (i) development of automatic, selective and quick separation and detection of mixtures of peptides or proteins; (ii) generation of new methods of quantitation for very low concentrations (nm and subnanomolar) of peptides. These two goals are attained with the use of covalent labelling reactions using a variety of dyes that can be readily excited by the radiation from a commonly available laser or via the use of noncovalent labelling (immunoassay using a labelled antibody or antigen or noncovalent dye interactions). In this review article, we summarize the works which were performed for protein and peptide analysis via CE-LIF.

Microdialysis—theoretical background and recent implementation in applied life-sciences

In the past decade microdialysis has become a method of choice in the study of unbound tissue concentrations of both endogenous and exogenous substances. Microdialysis has been shown to offer information about substances directly at the site of action while being well tolerable and safe. The large variety of its field of application has been demonstrated. However, a few challenges have to be met to make this method generally applicable in routine applications. This review will provide an overview over theoretical aspects that have to be considered during the implementation of microdialysis. Moreover, a comparison between microdialysis and other tissue sampling techniques will demonstrate advantages and limitations of the methods mentioned. Subsequently, it will present a critical synopsis of a variety of scientific/biomedical applications of this method with emphasis on the most recent literature, focussing on target tissues while giving examples of substances examined. It is concluded that microdialysis will be of great value in future investigations of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and in monitoring of disease status and progression.

Recent advances in the application of capillary electrophoresis to neuroscience

With fast separation times (seconds to minutes), minimal sample requirements (nanoliters to femtoliters), and excellent mass detection limits (femtomole to zeptomole), capillary electrophoresis (CE) is ideally suited for in vitro and in vivo sampling of neurological samples with a high degree of spatial resolution. Advances in extracellular fluid analysis employing improved microdialysis and push-pull perfusion sampling methodologies has enabled the resolution of neurotransmitters present in limited amounts using CE. Great progress has been made to resolve complex neuropeptides, amino acids, and biogenic amines in tissue and cell cultures. Finally, owing largely to the small volume sampling abilities of CE, investigations of single nerve cells, both invertebrate and mammalian, have been accomplished. These applications of CE to the advancement of neuroscience are presented.

Analysis of antiepileptic drugs in biological fluids by means of electrokinetic chromatography

An overview of the electrokinetic chromatographic methods for the analysis of antiepileptic drug levels in biological samples is presented. In particular, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography is a very suitable method for the determination of these drugs, because it allows a rapid, selective, and accurate analysis. In addition to the electrokinetic chromatographic studies on the determination of antiepileptic drugs, some information regarding sample pretreatment will also be reported: this is a critical step when the analysis of biological fluids is concerned. The electrokinetic chromatographic methods for the determination of recent antiepileptic drugs (e.g., lamotrigine, levetiracetam) and classical anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, ethosuximide, valproic acid) will be discussed in depth, and their pharmacological profiles will be briefly described as well.

Simultaneous Light Emitting Diode-Induced Fluorescence and Contactless Conductivity Detection for Capillary Electrophoresis

A combined detection system of simultaneous contactless conductometric and fluorescent detection for capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been designed and evaluated. The two processes share a common detection cell. A blue light-emitting diode (LED) was used as the excitation source and an optical fiber was used to collect the emitting fluorescence for fluorescent detection (FD). Inorganic ions, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled amino acids and small molecule peptides were separated and detected by the combined detector, and the detection limits (LODs) of sub-microM level were achieved.