IMPROVED INTRACEREBRAL CHEMITRODE FOR CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL STUDIES OF BRAIN

An intracerebral chemitrode was described for infusion and recovery of solutes and stimulation and recording of discrete brain loci. The chemitrode consisted of 2 insulated tubes in juxtaposition with implantable angular ends faced together and covered with a high porosity polycarbonate Nucleopore membrane so as to create a sealed, nonclogging, perfusion chamber. Electrical connectors were affixed directly to the tubes at the external end for stimulating and recording of the perfusion area. Experiments [in rats] showing electrical stimulation of the chemitrode to produce chronic epileptic foci at the site of perfusion, infusion of drugs to produce changes in brain activity and extraction of ethanol following peripheral injection demonstrated the potential utility of the chemitrode in a wide variety of neurobiological problems.