Spectrophotometry in vivo, a technique for local and direct enzymatic assays: application to brain acetylcholinesterase.

In vivo enzymology is not widely studied due to the lack of a well-adapted technology. We have developed a system that allows local and long-term spectrophotometric assays in brain tissue of live animals. It utilizes a miniaturized optical probe consisting of a multibarrel micropipette for reagent injections and optical fibers for light absorption measurements. We have applied this system to the colorimetric determination of brain acetylcholinesterase activity in rats. The reproducibility of the assay was demonstrated by repetitive assays over 24 hr, its specificity was established through the use of a highly specific organophosphorus inhibitor, and the activities measured in different brain areas agreed with the known distribution of acetylcholinesterase. No electroencephalographic abnormalities and no change in vigilance level were observed in the experimental animals. This methodology should prove to be useful for the colorimetric measurement of different enzymes or metabolites in various organs.