Determination of gamma-aminobutyric and glutamic acids in rat brain by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.
The determination of glutamic and gamma-aminobutyric acids in rat brain regions by derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde-thiol, isocratic separation by liquid chromatography, and quantification by electrochemical detection provides a simple and precise method for assessing changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal systems. Gamma-aminobutyric acid was eluted in 30-35 minutes followed by a washout step with 90% methanol to remove all amino acid derivatives with longer retention times. Homoserine was used as an internal standard. Significant increases in gamma-aminobutyric acid content in nucleus accumbens and substantia nigra could be detected 20 minutes after injection of 400 mg/kg valproic acid.
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005971:Glutamates / Q000032:analysis*; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D008297:Male; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000032:analysis; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000032:analysis*
D005971:Glutamates; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D014635:Valproic Acid