New Electrophoretic Approaches to the Monitoring of Pain Neurotransmitters in the Brain Tissue of Higher Organisms

To determine the level of pain neurotransmitters in local regions of the brain of higher organisms, new electrophoretic approaches will be developed, permitting reproducible analytical operations with minute sample amounts. Our work will be directed toward the development of a complex analytical system (lab on a chip), integrating the nerve tissue sample treatment, separation and detection steps. Direct coupling of the nervous tissue sampling with the sample analysis along a short separation pathway will be studied. The appropriate instrumentation will be assembled employing the modern technology of electron lithography, new electrode materials and integrated detection systems. The results of analyses for the neurotransmitter levels will provide a basis for elucidation of the pain treatment at the central nervous system level and for preclinical testing of the effects of analgesics and psychopharmaceuticals administered.