Fast in vivo cerebral NADH measurements combining time resolved fluorescence and fiber optic microsensor techniques

International audienceA nanosecond time resolved fluorescence (TRF) from the nucleus raphe dorsalis of rats in chronic conditions, is investigated. The same single optical fiber (Ø=200 µm), ten meters long, transmits a subnanosecond nitrogen laser pulse (337 nm) and collects the brain autofluorescence from 390 nm to 550 nm. The fluorescence emission spectrum collected through the fiber, exhibits two maxima at 400 nm and 460 nm which principally comes from NAD(P)H (Nicotinamide-Adenine-Dinucleotide). The advantages of TRF is discussed. Preliminary data of the variation of NADH observed immediately after death of the animal are presented