Microdialysis sampling has been coupled with several imaging modalities
over the past two decades to either support the development of imaging approaches as
diagnostic, prognostic or treatment response biomarkers, or to use this temporally rich
sampling approach of brain tissue in parallel with one or more imaging modalities to
provide an integrated, systems neuropharmacology, perspective of normal and diseased
brain physiology. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the scientific
literature that encompasses several imaging modalities (including PET, MRI, EEG,
CT) that relied on microdialysis sampling for its supportive and/or parallel use in
systems neuropharmacology research. A review of the important role microdialysis has
played in supporting several PET imaging applications used in neuropharmacology
research is provided. Integrated with PET, various MRI modalities, EEG and CT,
microdialysis has deepened understanding of various neurotransmitter systems and
their temporal and spatial integration as an in-tune, “normal” or dysynchronous,
“diseased” system. Parallel use of microdialysis in humans suffering from traumatic
brain injury or chronic epilepsy has been coupled with PET, MRI, EEG and CT
approaches to develop systems-level understanding at the cellular, regional, and whole
brain levels. Throughout the chapter, several publications are discussed that exemplify
the results of this research. The chapter concludes with a presentation of the integrated
use of microdialysis with imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease research, ending with the
hope for expanded use of imaging modalities that can even be used in an ambulatory
capacity, and how microdialysis can continue to play its established role to support
their development and use in understanding and treating this disease.
Keywords: Alzheimer disease, Blood-brain barrier, Brain, Brain injuries, Central
nervous system, Electroencephalography, Magnetic resonance imaging,
Microdialysis, Neuropharmacology, Positron-emission tomography, Tomography.
