Microdialysis and Mass Spectroscopy as a Key for Monitoring of Metabolites in Immature Brain

Abstract

The perinatal period of life is a critical moment for a proper development of CNS, however it is a risky period, which is associated with many pathologies.  Hence, it is important to acquire knowledge and combine new methodologies for understanding the developmental aspects of physiology/pathophysiology of the brain. We have successfully developed and applied the method of monitoring a tissue metabolism in the immature brain. Using a combination of microdialysis technique and HPLC-MS basal levels of amino acids and other low molecular weight molecules in the hippocampus of immature rats (12-days-old) were mapped. Our results demonstrate the suitability of chosen parameters of sampling and analysis for the monitoring of tissue biochemistry and metabolomic mapping in immature brain. Moreover, a potential of the proposed method can found a place in clinical practice and for biomarkers monitoring of various CNS diseases.