Preclinical research

Applications of microdialysis in preclinical research and drug discovery require a unique combination of highly specialized skills in microsurgery, stereotaxic surgery and in vivo handling protocols for small rodents, as well as, knowledge in neuroanatomy and pharmacology of major neurotransmitter systems.

		Microdialysis protocols on anesthetized or awake rats and mice "Proof-of-concept" studies, monitoring neurotransmitters and other surrogate markers, PK/PD studies, drug delivery through BBB, targeted bioavailability.
		Biosensors - fast monitoring of glutamate release Recordings of tonic and phasic L-glutamate levels in awake rats.
		Microsurgery, stereotaxic surgery on small rodents Injection/infusion cannulas including microdialysis probes, syringe minipump-based continuous/discontinuous drug infusions for up to 4 weeks, Alzet osmotic pumps.
		Lesion models of neurodegenerative diseases. 6-OHDA, MPTP-lesion models of Parkinson´s disease. 192IgG-saporin lesions of cholinergic neurons. Ibotenic acid lesions.
		Simultaneous microdialysis and behavioral monitoring Motor activity, turning activity tests run simultaneously with microdialysis sampling.
		Pharmacokinetics and drug brain delivery Triple microdialysis - PK profiles of unbound drug concentrations in blood and brain compartments. Targeted drug delivery through the BBB PD profiles - effects of drugs on neurotransmitter release, uptake and metabolism.