Analytical strategies in neurotransmitter measurements: A mini literature review

Abstract

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are endogenous, polar, low‐molecular‐weight compounds that play multiple pivotal roles in the central nervous system. NTs are involved in communicating information, responding to stress, regulating motor coordination, and allowing interneuronal communication in living organisms. It is essential to determine the distribution of NTs in brain regions to better understand drug dependence and abuse, neurological disorders, psychological disorders, and aging. Monitoring NT levels is also important in diagnosing and avoiding serious illnesses. We here review chromatography‐based analytical techniques, including pretreatment methods (e.g., microdialysis and solid‐phase microextraction), as well as detection strategies (e.g., MS and electrochemistry), focusing on developments in these techniques over the past 5 years. We then highlight recent advances in electrochemical and fluorescence imaging methods in vivo and the disadvantages and advantages of such technologies, including high spatiotemporal resolution, polymer specificity, and high sensitivity. Finally, we summarize and compare the complementary advantages of chromatography‐based analytical techniques and biosensors and discuss trends in the development of NT detection technologies.

Research progress in brain-targeted nasal drug delivery

“…The microdialysis method is a rapidly evolving in vitro or in vivo brain chemistry samplingtechnique developed in recent years; it offers good temporal and spatial resolution for determining the concentration of free drugs in the CNS. Compared to traditional research methods, it does not alter the total amount of CSF; thus, it can be performed without affecting the normal physiological function of experimental animals, and it allows for continuous sampling and quantification in a single animal ( Zhu et al, 2023 ). The technique can also be used to determine the concentration of drugs in different brain tissues as well as changes in the concentration of non-binding drugs in the brain’s extracellular fluid over time.…”

Establishment of a pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics model of Schisandra lignans against hippocampal neurotransmitters in AD rats based on microdi-alysis liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

“…Consequently, coupling MD with UPLC-TQ-MS technology permits high-throughput screening of active ingredients at targeted sites, further illuminating therapeutic effects and pharmacokinetic traits of drugs within living organisms ( Yu et al, 2015 ). Additionally, this combination enables real-time and precise observations of changes in endogenous active substances ( Zhu et al, 2023 ). The PK-PD binding model integrates the pharmacokinetic properties of a drug within the body with the effects brought by the drug ( Li et al, 2022 ).…”