Abstract
Simultaneous measurements of electrochemical and electrophysiological changes in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the rat were tried with a single carbon fiber microelectrode. Electrochemical detection of catecholamines was done by differential pulse voltammetry. The effects of haloperidol on the level of catecholamines in extracellular spaces and on dopaminergic neuronal discharges were investigated. Haloperidol induced an increase in unitary discharges parallel to the elevation of the catecholamine level. With this technique, direct information can be obtained on the relationship between released catecholamines and unitary neuronal activity.
