Direct in vivo electrochemical monitoring of dopamine release in response to neuroleptic drugs.

The ability of stearate-modified graphite paste electrodes to monitor changes in dopamine (DA) release in response to haloperidol and chlorpromazine was examined in rat striatum. The increase in electrochemical signal produced by both neuroleptics was not reversed by pargyline and was abolished by 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra. The electrodes did not respond to administration of ascorbic acid or promethazine. The results demonstrate that neuroleptic-induced release of DA can be directly monitored with these electrodes.