Microdialysis in Nonhuman Primates

This unit presents a technique that allows for routine repeated microdialysis experiments in the monkey using a sedated preparation or, with further minor modification, in the awake behaving animal. Protocols are provided for construction and in vitro calibration of dialysis probes, obtaining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the monkey brain, surgically attaching a guide holder to the skull, and performing postoperative MRI scanning, in vivo dialysis sample collection, anatomical verification of the probes, and neurochemical analysis. An alternate protocol describes microdialysis in awake, behaving monkeys; this requires substantial preparatory work in training the monkeys to sit quietly in a restraining chair and/or to perform a series of behavioral tasks.