Journal of neuroscience methods
-
J. Neurosci. Methods · May 2014
Detection of cerebral arterial gas embolism using regional cerebral oxygen saturation, quantitative electroencephalography, and brain oxygen tension in the swine.
Cerebral air emboli occur as a complication of invasive medical procedures. The sensitivity of cerebral monitoring methods for the detection of air emboli is not known. This study investigates the utility of electroencephalography and non-invasively measured cerebral oxygen saturation in the detection of intracerebrovascular air. ⋯ Our results show that non-invasively measured oxygen saturation and quantitative electroencephalography can detect the local effects of air emboli on cerebral oxygenation, but with reduced sensitivity as compared to intraparenchymal oxygen tension. Prospective human studies using multimodal monitoring incorporating electroencephalography and oxygen saturation should be performed.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
J. Neurosci. Methods · Mar 2014
Temporary inactivation of the rodent hippocampus: an evaluation of the current methodology.
Temporary cellular inactivation is a useful and increasingly popular approach in examining brain function. In general the methods allow for fast-acting manipulations that have the advantage of being reversible. However, there is significant variation in detailed procedures across experiments and most authors show very little evidence about the extent or duration of inactivation. ⋯ Our methods allowed us to uncover some possible confounding factors. We suggest specific variations in the procedures which decrease or eliminate these problems. We also investigate the properties of the sodium channel blocker ropivacaine and recommend this drug based on its functional profile and established low level of toxicity.