Application of a glutamate microsensor to brain tissue

The amino acid l-glutamate is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). It is involved in many physiological processes and consequently in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, glutamate is an important target in scientific research concerning the CNS. In this respect the assessment of extracellular glutamate that originates from neurons is of crucial importance. However, the performance of most analytical techniques that currently are used to monitor glutamate is questioned. It appears that these methods do not monitor neuronally derived glutamate and it is hypothesized that a recording technique with improved analytical criteria is required. Microsensors provide a solution to meet these requirements. A promising concept is the hydrogel-coated glutamate microsensor. This thesis deals with the construction, evaluation and practical application of this specific microsensor.