Abstract
Microelectrode arrays have been widely used to record and analyze neural signals and activity aiding in the detection of brain injuries. The current techniques for electrode implantation involve invasive surgical procedures in which the electrode array is slowly inserted into the brain tissue. Implanted electrodes can be affected by both abiotic (insulation, metal, corrosion, etc.) and biotic (neuroinflammation, blood brain barrier damage, etc.) factors that lead to degradation of recorded signals during chronic time periods. In order to better understand the response to microelectrode implantation, the biotic factors that contribute to their eventual decay and further tissue deterioration have been characterized. The goal of this thesis is to understand the acute biotic processes that occur during the rapid insertion of Utah microelectrode arrays; we attempt to study, in detail, the neuroinflammatory response involved in neural electrode implants. We compare microglial, astroglial, and vascular disruption markers in short-term implanted animals to assess the effects of neuroinflammation from rapid insertion of Utah arrays. We also evaluate the expression of axonal biomarkers from serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in relation to electrode performance and neural injury.