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Changes of amino acid gradients in brain tissues induced by microwave irradiation and other means

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Abstract

Focused microwave irradiation to the head (FMI) has been used extensively by neurochemists for rapid inactivation of enzymatic activity in brain tissues and the preservation, for in vitro analysis, of in vivo substrate concentrations. Periodically the suitability of this technique for regional studies has been questioned. Evidence has now been obtained, on the basis of altered concentration gradients for GABA and taurine from the Substantia Nigra (SN) to an Adjacent Dorsal Area (ADJ), that FMI not only inactivates enzymes, but also facilitates rapid diffusion of small molecules from areas of high concentrations to adjacent areas of lower concentration. To a lasser extent, the implantation of plastic injection cannulas also decreased these concentration gradients. These results offer clear evidence that FMI is ill suited and unreliable for studies designed to map and compare the “in vivo” regional concentrations of diffusible organic molecules (such as amino acids) in brain tissues. Any invasive technique that compromises membrane barriers is likely to produce smaller similar effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurochemistry Laboratory, VA Medical Center, 16111 Plummer St, 91343, Sepulveda, CA, USA

    Claude F. Baxter, John E. Parsons, Charles C. Oh & Roger A. Baldwin

  2. Epilepsy Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, 16111 Plummer St, 91343, Sepulveda, CA, USA

    Claude F. Baxter & Claude G. Wasterlain

  3. Dept of Psychiatry and Bio-behavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine, 90024, Los Angeles, CA

    Claude F. Baxter

  4. Dept of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, 90024, Los Angeles, CA

    Claude G. Wasterlain

  5. Brian Research Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, 90024, Los Angeles, CA

    Claude G. Wasterlain

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  1. Claude F. Baxter
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  4. Claude G. Wasterlain
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Baxter, C.F., Parsons, J.E., Oh, C.C. et al. Changes of amino acid gradients in brain tissues induced by microwave irradiation and other means. Neurochem Res 14, 909–913 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00964823

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