Evaluation of the function of microdialysis probes permanently implanted into the rat CNS and coupled to an on-line HPLC system of analysis

The aim of the microdialysis technique is to reflect as closely as possible the status and fluctuations of substances contained in the extracellular space. Most often, microdialysis is performed with repetitively implanted probes. We have recently devised an experimental set-up which allows microdialysis to be performed in the spinal cord of unrestrained rats through chronically permanently implanted probes. In the present study, we have compared the in vitro recovery of a non-biogenic amine (DHBA) and of 5-HT, and the in vivo recovery of the former. Thus, we could extrapolate the in vivo recovery of endogenous 5-HT released. Moreover, we have found that the recovery does not vary irrespective of whether the animal is at rest or performing sustained physical exercise, and that it also remains stable with time, from 8 to 36 days after permanent implantation of the probe. We conclude that this simple method can be applied to standard experiments of microdialysis, and thus allow one to measure the actual rate of recovery for a given probe. Moreover, it permits control of the stability of dialysis parameters with time for long-term permanently implanted probes.