Application of Spinal Microdialysis in Freely Moving Rats

Two different spinal microdialysis approaches in freely moving rats are demonstrated. The assessment of the stability and the influences of related factors on spinal microdialysis are discussed. Using spinal microdialysis we demonstrate its contribution on spinal cord neurotransmission knowledge with practical examples studying pain. In particular, (1) we assessed basal (glu) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) levels in dorsal horn and in cerebrospinal fluid, (2) we evaluated the influences of related factors during the experimental setting, and (3) we investigated formalin-induced releases of Glu and PGE₂ following peripheral inflammation.