A microdialysis technique was used to investigate the effect of physostigmine (PHY) and heptylphysostigmine (HEP), administered systemically or locally, on the extracellular levels of acetyl-choline (ACh), norepinephrine, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the cerebral cortex of the rat. Levels of these neurotransmitters in dialysates were assayed simultaneously with two different high pressure liquid chromatography systems. No cholinesterase inhibitor was added into the probe to increase detection of ACh after systemic administration. Cholinesterase inhibition and its relation to ACh levels were also studied. Systemic administration of two doses of cholinesterase inhibitor [PHY (30 and 300 micrograms/kg) and HEP (2 and 5 mg/kg)] produced a dose-dependent increase in ACh levels. Local perfusion of these drugs through the probe elicited a strong increase in extracellular ACh. HEP produced a longer lasting inhibition of cholinesterase and a more prolonged elevation of ACh in cerebral cortex than PHY. After systemic administration of PHY (both doses), we observed a significant increase of norepinephrine levels. This effect was weaker after HEP. Local administration through the probe did not modify norepinephrine concentration. Dopamine levels were also increased after systemic administration. ONly HEP perfused into the probe elicited a significant increase in extracellular dopamine. Systemic or local administration did not modify 5-hydroxytryptamine levels. These observations suggest a more favorable pharmacological profile for HEP as a potential drug for Alzheimer disease, as compared to PHY.