A new tool for studying extracellular pH dynamics in the brain

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed the first all-in-one miniature pH probe for real-time studies of extracellular pH dynamics in deep brain structures.

In our brain, more than billions of specialized workers –neurons and glial cells – form complex and efficient networks that constantly communicate with each other through subtle chemical signals to our behavioral product. governance.

Brain chemistry is the basic language of brain cells. In our healthy brains, the chemistry remains relatively neutral and they must always regulate the acid-alkaline variables; or it can cause brain problems such as mental illness, glioma and seizures. Brain pH variables are therefore correlated with brain signals and functions, thus, providing a clearer understanding of the effect of pH on how our brain works and how it functions poorly in sick state.

However, despite recent technical advances in electrical recordings of the brain and chemical analysis technologies, there are still limitations in measuring the chemical signals, especially the pH of living organisms, ie in vivo.

The research team addressed these limitations by implementing a hybrid device that combined two different technologies: thin needle loops with non-woven integration of electrical and optical functions and chemical sensors with measured measurement points. light explanation. The combination allows spatially arranged in vivo detection of sexual chemical signals within the brain, especially the deepest regions, with high spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution.

We have influenced the thermal extraction process typically used in the telecommunications industry to produce fiber that integrates multiple functions, such as optical wavelengths, electrodes and chemical channels. “

Yuanyuan Guo, Associate Professor, Frontier Interdisciplinary Sciences Research Institute, Tohoku University

As a result of a collaboration with professor Tatsuo Yoshinobu from the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, an active link was connected – a light-guided chemical sensor – to produce the fiber in an all-in-one hybrid chemical sensitivity study one for in vivo detections of subtle chemical changes in the brain. The first prototype focused on pH detections.

The probe was also tested for in vivo measurement thanks to professor Hajime Mushiake from the Graduate School of Medicine. He was able to detect small pH variations in response to traps in rats.

“The next step for our team is to develop the spatial, temporal, and chemical mission to the point that is relevant to the plates of sexual neuronal dynamics,” Guo said. “Our technological breakthrough will advance our basic understanding of brain chemistry and link it to brain functions.”