Development and Characterization of Multi-functional Probes and Their Use in the Detection of Neurotransmitter Release Events

Ultramicroelectrodes are useful for neurotransmitter release from cells because they can be positioned very close to the cell surface and they can detect very small amounts of neurotransmitter molecules. Ultramicroelectrodes were fabricated by inserting a carbon fiber into a glass capillary tube, pulling the tube to a fine tip, sealing the tip with epoxy resin, and threading a wire through the electrode. The electrodes were characterized with cyclic voltammetry in a Ruthenium Hexamine Chloride solution. These electrodes can be used to detect neurotransmitter release from a cell by positioning it very close to the cell surface. Release of neurotransmitters from a cell surface can be detected by amperometry. Full fusion, kiss-and-stay fusion, kiss-and-go fusion, and pre-foot are the different mechanisms of exocytotic release that have been characterized in model neurons