Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Physiology and Pharmacology
Supervisor
Dr. Bryan Richardson
Second Advisor
Dr. Donglin Bai
Third Advisor
Dr. Arthur Brown
Abstract
The low voltage (LV)/rapid eye movement (REM) behavioural state the high voltage(HV)/non-rapid eye movement (NREM) behavioural state are each suggested to have a unique functional role in fetal neurodevelopment, therefore requiring the existence of both behavioural states in appropriate proportions for optimal maturation. The present study examined the behavioural state cycling pattern in the ovine fetus near term and characterized the related changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), utilizing a 20-MHz piezoelectric Doppler crystal transducer. Our results demonstrated the HV/NREM epoch duration to be positively correlated with that of the prior LV/REM epoch, as well as with that of the subsequent LV/REM epoch, suggesting a possible homeostatic behavioural state control mechanism in the fetus. Changes in CBFV were consistent with those previously demonstrated, suggesting the piezoelectric Doppler crystal transducer may be used to continuously measure CBFV under resting conditions and provide a relative measure of cerebral blood flow changes.
Recommended Citation
Rao, Neesha Meneses, "BEHAVIOURAL STATE CYCLING AND RELATED CHANGES IN THE CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN THE OVINE FETUS NEAR TERM" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4068.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4068