Sniffer-patch detection

Electrochemical detection methods such as amperometry and fast cycUc voltammetry are highly effective for making rapid and sensitive measurements of exo-cytotic release events when the released transmitter can be readily oxidized or reduced. Although attempts have been made to enzymatically convert other neurotransmitters into readily oxidizable intermediates [32], this additional step has proven to be too slow to permit the direct observation of individual exocytotic release events in real time. Thus, non-electroactive transmitters must be detected via an alternate means. One alternative is to use the sniffer-patch detection technique [33]. 

Allen TG. The sniffer-patch technique for detection of neurotransmitter release. Trends Neurosci. 1997 20 192-197. 

To date, the sniffer-patch technique has mainly been used as a highly sensitive but largely qualitative means of detecting transmitter release from neurons. The list of transmitters detected in this way includes acetylcholine [33,34,36-38] adenosine 5 -lriphosphate [39,40], glutamate [41-43], and GABA [44]. Mem-... 

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