Anatomy & Neurobiology - Center for Microelectrode Technology

About Us

The Center for Microelectrode Technology is an outgrowth of research conducted in the past at the University of Colorado and during recent years in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. The Center for Microelectrode Technology is focused on the development and use of state-of-the-art microelectrode techniques for in vivo studies of brain function. The technology under development utilizes novel microelectrodes that are implanted in various regions of animal brain to monitor specific neurotransmitters with computerized recording and processing of the resulting signals. Plans include the development and refinement of sensors to measure the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, acetylcholine, GABA, nitric oxide and many other molecules such as lactate, aspartate, glucose, alcohol and adenosine. A grant from The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been used to establish a "Center Without Walls" for promoting:

• The development of microelectrode technologies
• Collaborative projects with academic scientists
• The training of researchers in microelectrode-based methods
• Relationships with industry to facilitate instrumentation development

NSF-sponsored centers of this type usually are located on academic campuses other than medical centers, so the recognition of unique capabilities at the University of Kentucky Academic Medical Center is especially noteworthy.