Influence of Glutamate Levels in Rat Striatum after Intracerebral Implantation of Microdialysis Probe

Objective To investigate the influence of glutamate levels in rat striatum after intracerebral implantation of microdialysis probe. Methods Microdialysis probe was inserted into rat striatum by one-time or two-time insertions. Dialysate was collected and detected for glutamate levels with high performance liquid chromatograph(HPLC). Results The insertion of microdialysis probe into striatum at first time results in a transient raise in glutamate(about 30-fold above baseline),and declined to baseline within 3 hours. While glutamate levels were increased only 15-fold above baseline when microdialysis probe reinsert into striatum,and dropped to baseline within 1 hour. Conclusion The data suggest that the implant trauma may cause transient glutamate perturbations in rat striatum. Thus,the influence of probe implantation for detecting glutamate samples by intracerebral microdialysis need to be considered.