Neurochemistry: Bioanalysis Services
Accuracy and sensitivity are critical parameters for neurotransmitter detection. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to offer novel analytical techniques, including SymDaq, our proprietary derivatizing agent, to support analysis of low concentrations of multiple neurotransmitters simultaneously in a single run. Additionally, we can develop novel study designs based on your specific needs for sample preparation, quantification, and analysis.
Sym DAQ LC-MS enables simultaneous analyses of multiple neurotransmitters in a single dialysis sample
Does Ketamine Really Modulate Glutamate?
Learn how to quantify multiple transmitters at once using SymDAQ technology.
Neurochemistry Tools and Sample Types:
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Neurochemistry Bioanalytical Tools:
- HPLC – tandem mass spectrometry
- HPLC – electrochemical detection
- HPLC – fluorescence detection
- RIA / ELISA
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Biological Matrices:
- CSF samples
- Microdialysates
- Brain tissue samples
- Plasma, plasma free fraction or serum
- In vitro matrices
- Urine
- Bone
- Gut tissue
- Liver
- Kidney
- Spleen
- Human tissue (non-GLP)
- Other biological tissues
- Other biological fluids
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Neurochemistry Analytes:
- Acetylcholine
- Amino acids (including GABA)
- cAMP/cGMP
- Glucose and lactate
- Histamine
- Monoamines (including NE, DA, and 5HT)
- Exogenous compounds
- Glucocorticoids
- Kynurenines
- Tryptophan
- MA metabolites (including HVA, 5-HIAA, and DOPAC)
- D- and L-Serine
- Polyamines (including putricine and spermine)
- Custom analyte service
Electrochemistry: Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry
Beyond traditional electrophysiology studies, Charles River provides a unique electrochemistry platform called fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). FSCV is used to monitor the release of dopamine following electrical stimulation in the brains of animal models. It is a great solution when you need to track very rapid changes in dopamine concentrations. FSCV utilizes a carbon fiber microelectrode to apply a voltage which results in current changes of the surrounding environment.
FSCV electrochemistry color plot and evoked phasic dopamine release in a mouse brain
Dopamine concentration increase correlates to electrical stimulation intensity in the graph above. Raclopride, a dopamine receptor antagonist, decreases overall dopamine release.
FSCV works by applying a triangular voltage wave form at the site of dopamine release. Changes in the current are recorded simultaneously (10 times/second), specifically focusing on the oxidation of dopamine to dopamine-O-quinone and its reduction back to dopamine. The resulting current measurements can then be used to quantify the instantaneous concentration of dopamine in the extracellular space. This electrochemistry technique enables quantification of dopamine changes in animal models in real-time, adding further value when combined with other services and techniques as part of a customized program of study.
Comprehensive Bioanalysis is Key at Every Stage of Product Development
Bioanalysis is intertwined with our:
- Discovery in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies
- Preclinical research
- Clinical capabilities
Learn about our other Bioanalysis methods and tools
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Neurochemistry & Electrochemistry
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What kind of in vivo models can be used in fast-scan cyclic voltammetry electrochemistry experiments?
Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry can be used on single cells, brain slices, anesthetized animals or freely-moving animals. At Charles River, we currently provide FSCV with anesthetized animals.
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What is the difference between fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and other neuroscience translational tools such as microdialysis?
Microdialysis measures analytes including small molecules up to larger peptides and proteins from in vivo extracellular fluid while fast-scan cyclic voltammetry uses an electrode to apply voltage to subsequently measure rapid changes in biogenic amine neurotransmitters. Learn more about other neuroscience translational tools.
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What kind of studies are performed using the SymDAQ technology?
Detecting neurotransmitters and metabolites from many different types of disease models can be studied using SymDAQ. For example, dialysates analyzed by the SymDAQ HPLC-tandem-mass spectrometry technology for serotonin (5-HT), and metabolites (5-HIAA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) is frequently used for simultaneous determination of monoamines and amino acids in a depression model.
Have more questions on electrochemistry and neurochemical bioanalysis for your studies?