Amperometric recording of gonadotropin-releasing hormone release activity in the pituitary of the dwarf gourami (teleosat) brain-pituitary slices

We developed a method for real-time electrochemical recording of gonadotrop in-releasing hormone (GnRH) release using carbon fiber electrodes (CFE). Th e oxidation current of GnRH was measured by amperometry. We recorded the re lease activity in the pituitary of the teleost brain-pituitary slice. The C FE was located in the part of the pituitary that receives dense innervation from GnRH neurons in the preoptic area. A bulk amperometric current was re corded in response to high [K+](o) stimulation in a dose dependent manner. Decreasing the holding potential to below the oxidation potential of GnRH r esulted in the loss of amperometric currents. Thus, it is suggested that th e amperometric currents are mainly attributed to the oxidation currents of GnRH and reflect the GnRH release activity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.