Journal of neuroscience methods
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Apr 2014
Statistical modeling of behavioral dynamics during propofol-induced loss of consciousness.
Accurate quantitative analysis of the changes in responses to external stimuli is crucial for characterizing the timing of loss and recovery of consciousness induced by anesthetic drugs. We studied induction and emergence from unconsciousness achieved by administering a computer-controlled infusion of propofol to ten human volunteers. We evaluated loss and recovery of consciousness by having subjects execute every 4s two interleaved computer delivered behavioral tasks: responding to verbal stimuli (neutral words or the subject's name), or less salient stimuli of auditory clicks. ⋯ Our analysis provides a principled quantitative approach for defining loss and recovery of consciousness in experimental studies of general anesthesia.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Apr 2014
Mechanical alloydnia induced by traumatic brain injury is independent of restraint stress.
This study identifies the relationship between a test for post-traumatic headache and a marker for acute stress in rodent models of traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Mechanical allodynia occurs independent of evoked restraint stress, while hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis activity is dependent on head trauma and species.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Apr 2014
Forelimb locomotor rating scale for behavioral assessment of recovery after unilateral cervical spinal cord injury in rats.
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) models in rats have become increasingly useful because of their translational potential. The goal of this study was to design, develop and validate a quick and reliable forelimb locomotor rating scale for adult rats with unilateral cervical SCI injury. ⋯ In summary, the proposed rating scale is a useful tool for assessment of injury and treatments designed to enhance recovery after unilateral cervical SCI.