Neurochemical Research Methods

            An incredible number of research methods are currently available to study brain functions.  Because of this, researchers must be aware of the advantages and the limitations of various methods and many times, several methods may be used to reach a conclusion (Carlson, 2014).  One particular research method I found interesting are the neurochemical methods.  Neurochemical research methods can be used to determine the location of neurons that have particular receptors or that produce specific neurotransmitters or neuromodulators.  The amount of these chemicals can also be measured using this method (Carlson, 2014).

            Understanding the actions of a particular chemical can help researchers locate the areas of the brain where these actions occur.  To find neurons that produce specific neurochemicals researchers Localize proteins by using immunocytochemical methods, where slices of the brain are exposed to an antibody and linked to a fluorescent dye.  The slices are examined under a microscope using light of a specific wavelength to locate the neuron (Carlson, 2014).  Immunocytochemical methods are not useful when proteins are not involved.  To locate these areas, similar methods are employed to locate enzymes related to the protein. 

To locate particular receptors, researcher may use two different procedures.  Autoradiography involves exposing slices of brain tissue to a radioactive ligand solution.  The slices are rinsed until the only radioactivity methods that remain are the molecules that are bound to the receptors.  The second method uses immunocytochemistry.  Since receptors are known to be proteins, antibodies can be produced against them.  Brain slices are exposed to a specific antibody using fluorescent dye and they can be microscopically examined under light using a specific wavelength (Carlson, 2014).

The concentration of these chemicals can be determined through microdialysis.  Using a microdialysis probe (tube), a solution is slowly introduced to the brain.  Another tube carries the solution out of the brain after it has circulated through a pouch consisting of dialysis tubing (an artificial membrane in the shape of a cylinder).  The solution can then be examined by a method so sensitive that it can detect the neurotransmitters (Carlson, 2014).

These methods are proving to be particularly useful in identifying the various compounds in cannabis, particularly to evaluate the various behavioral responses that are produced and to determine its addictive properties.  These methods have identified that the CB1 receptors are responsible for the addictive properties of cannabis.  The CB2 receptors are responsible for the behavioral response and researchers are exploring methods of identifying their role in addiction as well (Maldonado, Berrendero, Ozaita, & Robledo, 2011).

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References

Carlson, N. R. (2014). Foundations of behavioral neuroscience (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Maldonado, R., Berrendero, F., Ozaita, A., & Robledo, P. (2011). Neurochemical basis of cannabis addiction. Neuroscience, 181, 1-17. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.02.035