Simultaneous Detection of Dopamine and Serotonin—A Comparative Experimental and Theoretical Study of Neurotransmitter Interactions

Abstract

With the goal of accurately detecting and quantifying the amounts of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in mixtures of these neurotransmitters without using any labelling, we present a detailed, comparative computational and Raman experimental study. Although discrimination between these two analytes is achievable in such mixtures for concentrations in the millimolar range, their accurate quantification remains unattainable. As shown for the first time in this work, the formation of a new composite resulting from their interactions with each other is the main reason for this lack of quantification. While this new hydrogen-bonded complex further complicates potential analyte discrimination and quantification at concentrations characteristic of physiological levels (i.e., nanomolar concentrations), it can also open new avenues for its use in drug delivery and pharmaceutical research. This remark is based not only on chemical interactions analyzed here from both theoretical and experimental approaches, but also on biological relationship, with consideration of both functional and neural proximity perspectives. Thus, this research constitutes an important contribution toward better understanding of neural processes, as well as toward possible future development of label-free biosensors.

The highly sensitive determination of serotonin by using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption wavelength in the visible region

“…The additional peaks at 1370, 1479, and 1622 cm À1 belong to dopamine. 80 There were no peaks from ascorbic acid due to its lack of affinity for Au. 81 In general, 5-HT can be detected by our SERS substrate in a complex mixture.…”

Effects of stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the globus pallidus internus on refractory tic disorders

“…However, the exact mechanism requires further study for elucidation. SDA and 5-HT are the two most significant neurotransmitters to assist signaling between neurons in the central nervous system [32]. Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter in nature in the class of catecholamine neurotransmitters, whereas 5-HT is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.…”

“…Dopamine is primarily synthesized in areas such as the substantia nigra pars compacta, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, and ventral tegmental area, with a significant effect on several pathways including motor control arousal, activeness, reward-based learning, motivation, and upper cognition function. 5-HT also has the functions of psychomotor inhibition and adjustment of emotions and mood, including impulsivity, analgesia, aggression, addition, eating disorders, adaptation to stressors, and cognition [32]. Two serotonergic pathways originating from the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei are able to innervate the cortical and subcortical structures through serotonergic release.…”

Electrochemical Sensing of Serotonin by a Modified MnO2-Graphene Electrode

“…However, these conventional techniques are not appropriate for rapid detection and everyday tests of SE detection in real samples, because they are time-consuming, expensive and need of specialized operators. Hence, the development of simpler and cheaper electrochemical sensors for the determination of SE has received considerable interest last few years [10,11].…”