Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 19(12), 1581 (2003).

Continuous Measurement of Glutamate and Hydrogen Peroxide Using a Microfabricated Biosensor for Studying the Neurotoxicity of Tributyltin
Ryoji KURITA,* Katsuyoshi HAYASHI,** Keiichi TORIMITSU,*** and Osamu NIWA** 
*NTT Advanced Technology, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0124, Japan
**NTT Microsystem Integration Laboratories, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0198, Japan
***NTT Basic Research Laboratories, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0198, Japan
We first measured the effects of trace levels of an endocrine disruptor, tributyltin (TBT), on the secretion response from nerve cells using a microfabricated biosensor designed for the continuous measurement of L-glutamate and hydrogen peroxide. We observed higher and long-lasting glutamate and hydrogen peroxide concentrations from the cells when cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to TBT. Glutamate and hydrogen peroxide release was induced even when we reduced the TBT concentration to 10 nM. This concentration is about two orders of magnitude lower than the concentration that induced apoptosis-like cell death. We also report on the effects of NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists, which can help us to understand the mechanism of TBT neurotoxicity.