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Push–Pull Superfusion: A Technique for Investigating Involvement of Neurotransmitters in Brain Function

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In Vivo Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 121))

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Abstract

Elucidation of neuronal interactions and consequently knowledge about brain function is only possible under in vivo conditions. The push–pull superfusion technique (PPST) is a technique for investigating in vivo release of neurotransmitters in distinct brain areas. Identification of transmitters released under physiological and experimentally evoked conditions as well as under pathological conditions is a prerequisite for understanding the physiology of brain functions and, most important, for the development of specific drugs for treatment of brain disorders. Analysis of the dynamics of basal release rates provides information about the pattern of release and the possible existence of oscillatory, ultradian, or circadian rhythms. Moreover, modification of the PPST makes possible the simultaneous determination of transmitter release and electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, the recording of evoked potentials or the on-line determination of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) released into the synaptic cleft. Indispensable for these implementations are (a) a very good time resolution, (b) the direct collection of transmitters released in the synaptic cleft without interference of membranes, and (c) the possibility to insert electrodes exactly into the area that is superfused. For instance, investigation of central cardiovascular control, behavioral tasks or mnemonic processes requires very short collection periods, because changes in transmitter release occur within seconds. Therefore, a good resolution time is necessary. Even more important is the time resolution and the positioning of electrodes when rates of transmitter release are correlated with evoked extracellular potentials or EEG recordings. In this review the various implementations of the PPST and the achieved knowledge by using it are described.

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Acknowledgements

Development of PPC and PPST as well as findings presented in this review was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF), Russia Foundation for Fundamental Research, and INTAS grant (No 96-1502) of European Union.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Athineos Philippu

  2. Second Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Athineos Philippu & Michaela M. Kraus

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  1. Athineos Philippu
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  2. Michaela M. Kraus
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Correspondence to Athineos Philippu .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

    Athineos Philippu

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Philippu, A., Kraus, M.M. (2017). Push–Pull Superfusion: A Technique for Investigating Involvement of Neurotransmitters in Brain Function. In: Philippu, A. (eds) In Vivo Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology. Neuromethods, vol 121. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6490-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6490-1_10

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-6488-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-6490-1

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