Microdialysis probes and accessories

Microdialysis monitors the chemistry of individual tissues by mimicking a blood capillary. Using a CMA Microdialysis probe filled with perfusion fluid, chemical substances are transported to and from the tissues through a dialysis membrane attached to a catheter. Depending on the substance, this can reflect either local (eg, glycerol) or systemic (eg, glucose) metabolism.

Chemical substances from the extracellular fluid diffuse through the Microdialysis catheter membrane and are carried by the perfusion fluid to the sample vial.

The samples, which are clear of all enzymes and proteins, can be either analysed using the CMA 600 laboratory analyser or by various techniques such as HPLC.

CMA Microdialysis probes can be used in any part of the animal to either recover endogenous compounds or infuse exogenous compounds (eg, drugs).

Probes that are available include CMA/20 - for peripheral tissues and blood vessels, CMA/12 and CMA/7 for use in the central nervous system, CMA/11 for use in discrete brain regions. Custom made probes are available.

The CMA 600 laboratory analyser is a clinical chemistry analyser designed for analysing small volumes obtained from microdialysis catheters or probes. The reagents available include glucose, glycerol, pyruvate, lactate, glutamate and urea.