Autofluorescence Spectrofluorometry of central nervous system (CNS) neuromediators

✍ Scribed by Francesco Crespi; Anna C. Croce; Sabrina Fiorani; Barbara Masala; Christian Heidbreder; Giovanni Bottiroli

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 141 KB
• Volume: 34
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.10240

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Changes in the neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytriptamine (5‐HT) are related to psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety. In this study, 5‐HT autofluorescence properties were investigated in solution and in biological tissues.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Spectrofluorometric characterization was performed on ex vivo samples (tissue sections, homogenates) of the 5‐HT‐rich brain region hippocampus from rats untreated or treated to affect endogenous 5‐HT levels; in vivo, with a 50 ⊘ optic fiber probe positioned via stereotaxis.

Results

5‐HT exhibited minor excitation and emission bands at wavelengths longer than the well known excitation and emission bands in the UV region, 250–320 nm. Spectrofluorometric measurements under 366 nm excitation on homogenates supplied with 5‐HT or belonging to treated rats revealed spectral alterations attributable to changes in the amount of 5‐HT. Ex vivo and in vivo autofluorescence data were consistent with those obtained by conventional voltammetry.

Conclusions

Autofluorescence spectroscopy potential is confirmed as a suitable technique for the direct measurement of neurotransmitters. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:39–47, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.