In vivo electrochemistry--principles and applications.

Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with electrically pretreated carbon fibre microelectrodes has been used to monitor dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) metabolism in specific regions of the rat brain in vivo. Using this technique we have located the 5HT receptor subtype responsible for controlling 5HT release and metabolism in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The autoreceptor involved in the control of DA metabolism has also been studied and the effects of chronic neuroleptic administration on their sensitivity determined.