In Parkinson's disease, severe damage to nigrostriatal neurons causes a depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Oxidative stress on the brain is thought to contribute to neuron cell death and to the onset of Parkinson's disease. Reactive oxygen radicals produced during oxidative stress have been implicated as an initiator of neuron destruction. Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, can initiate OH radical formation when present in excess. Oxidative stress on the brain caused by glutamate overflow may be monitored by trapping the OH radicals with salicylic acid to produce 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA). Determination of this product is initially performed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled with UV detection to establish optimum separation conditions. These conditions were applied for rapid, efficient, and sensitive determination of 2,3-DHBA by CZE coupled with electrochemical detection. Quick and sensitive detection of 2,3-DHBA is essential in monitoring OH radical generation and identifying its role in Parkinson's disease. / Master of Science