Nafion‐coated carbon fiber electrodes for neurochemical studies in brain tissue

Extensive studies of the characteristics of electrochemically pretreated, Nafion‐coated carbon fibers used for in vivo electrochemistry are summarized. While electrochemical pretreatment provides high sensitivity for the monitoring of catecholamine neurotransmitters, it causes fibers to respond slowly. The ionomer film, which confers selectivity, adds relatively little to the electrode time constant. In terms of sensitivity and time constant changes, serious interactions occur during the course of the in vivo experiments while the electrodes are exposed to brain tissue. Fortunately, selectivity characteristics do not change during in vivo experiments. Postcalibration procedures and other measurement techniques that provide reliable experimental measurements are discussed.