Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical technique that can be used to monitor release and uptake dynamics of endogenous monoamine levels both in vitro [1–3] and in vivo [4–6]. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry is able to measure the three major monoamine neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE), because these substances can be oxidized at low voltages, providing selective electrochemical detection based on voltage-dependent oxidation and reduction processes.
Briefly, a voltage that is sufficient to oxidize monoamines is applied to a carbon fiber microelectrode. The oxidation process results in current flow at the electrode surface; the amount of current is converted into concentration of monoamine in the vicinity of the electrode tip by means of calibration in a flow injection system. The current is measured rapidly, every 100 ms, and when plotted against time, can provide information as to how, for example, stimulation parameters and pharmacological agents can alter the dynamics of the monoamine released near the surface of the electrode. Ultimately, these measurements make it possible to distinguish kinetic parameters for release and uptake processes, a distinguishing feature of electrochemical techniques like FSCV. This chapter is designed to describe the use of FSCV to measure DA and 5-HT in mouse brain slices.
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