Combining 'caged-dopamine' photolysis with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to assess dopamine clearance and release autoinhibition in vitro.

We have developed a methodology for inducing a rapid rise in extracellular dopamine concentrations. The clearance of the applied dopamine, as well as its effect on the endogenous dopamine release (i.e., autoinhibition), was then examined using fast scan cyclic voltammetry. In a recording chamber mounted on a Nikon Optiphot epifluorescence microscope, coronal rat brain slices containing either the caudate nucleus or prefrontal cortex were perfused with ACSF containing 100-200 microM 'caged-DA.' UV illumination (100-200 ms) focused at the tip of the recording electrode produced a peak DA concentration of 1-2 microM within 100-200 ms of terminating the illumination. The caudate nucleus exhibited a faster clearance rate for photo-released DA compared to the prefrontal cortex. Cocaine reduced the clearance rates in both the caudate nucleus and prefrontal cortex. In the prefrontal cortex a combination of desipramine/clomipramine also reduced dopamine clearance, suggesting heterologous uptake of the applied DA by noradrenergic and/or serotonergic terminals. Photo-released dopamine inhibited release of endogenous caudate DA release evoked by single electrical stimulation. The advantages of this methodology are discussed.