Methods

Molecular biology

•  RT-PCR,  real-time PCR, micoarray +Taqman, Western blotting, ELISA,  Multiplex mRNA and protein analyses

Microscopic analyses

• Light and electronmicroscopic immunocytochemistry, (Receptors, Brdu, c-fos, spine synapse stereology etc.)

Neurochemical analyses

• Real-time neurotransmitter analysis by microelectrode biosensor technique: ATP, Adenosine, Inosine, Glutamate

• In vivo electrochemistry: 5-HT and glutamate (Pronexus: FAST biosensor technology)
• HPLC analyses: Glutamate, GABA, noradrenaline, 5-HT, dopamine, purines, endocannabinoids, peptides)

• Luminescent neurotransmitter assay: ATP, ADP
• Radiolabelled neurotransmitter assays:[³H]Acetylcholine, [³H]Noradrenaline, [³H]Dopamine, [³H]5-HT, [³H]Glutamate, [³H]GABA
• Stimulation: electrical, chemical optogenetical

Electrophysiology

• Patch clamp technique

Behavior tests

CNS: Open field test, Rotarod test, Amphetamine induced hyperactivity, Forced swim test, Automated tail suspension test, sucrose preference test

• Pain: Hot plate, Seltzer neuropathic model, CFA-induced inflammatory pain, NTG-induced migraine model

Transgenic mice,  animal disease models

• p2rx7-/- (Pfizer), p2y12-/- mice (EMMA)
• Parkinsons disease: in vivo MPTP (subacute MPTP, Tatton-Kish model,  both in mice); in vitro, in vivo rotenone (chronic s.c. in rats)

Cell culture

• PC12 cells, P2X3 receptor expressing HEK293 cells
• cell survival assays (LDH, MTT)