Monitoring 5HT metabolism in the brain of the freely moving rat.

The techniques of repeated CSF withdrawal and intracerebral dialysis are described. They were used to monitor 5HT metabolism in the brains of freely moving rats. Evidence indicates that results obtained proportionately reflect changes of 5HT metabolism in whole brain (CSF method) and in the striatum (intracerebral dialysis). The potential value of the methods is illustrated by two behavioral studies. The first suggested that 5HT turnover values (determined two weeks prior to behavioral testing by the CSF method) were predictive for neck + body biting in a social interaction test. The second study showed a consistent pattern of change of hypothalamic dialysate 5HIAA concentration associated with feeding in rats on a restricted food intake schedule.