Changes in the extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitterse in the hippocampus of the rat during bacterial sepsis: a study using microdialysis.

The pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy remains largly unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate changes in neurotransmitter concentrations in the CA4 region of the hippocampus using a microdialysis technique in freely moving animals during bacterial sepsis. During sepsis the EEG is also analyzed. During general anesthesia a microdialysis probe, an intravenous catheter and epidural EEG electrodes are implnted in a rat. one dzy later during continuous cerebrald microdialysis and EEF registration bacterial sepsis is induced in the experimentakl group by infusing a solution containing Escherichia coli. in the control group a sterile solution is infused. The changes in concentrations of dopamine, glutamate and serotonine are analyzed. the changes of the EEG are discussed. the differences between surviving and non-surviving animals are studied.