In Vivo Microdialysis of Brain Interstitial Fluid for the Determination of Extracellular Tau Levels.

Abstract

Tau is a microtubule binding protein highly abundant in cytoplasm of neurons. However now there is compelling evidence that it is also physiologically released in the extracellular space. Tau is detectable in culture media of various cells, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain interstitial fluid (ISF). Being able to measure extracellular tau levels in vivo would deep our understanding on the underlying mechanisms of physiological/pathological tau release from neurons. To meet this need, this chapter describes an in vivo microdialysis protocol and materials for the measurement of extracellular tau in ISF from freely moving mice.