Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Physiology and Pharmacology
Supervisor
Dr. B Richardson
Abstract
We have utilized an amino acid infusate and an insulin euglycemic clamp
technique in the ovine fetus near term with increases and decreases in circulating amino acids, respectively, to determine the impact on electrocortical activity and cerebral protein synthesis. Fetal sheep were studied over a 2 hour control and subsequent 6 hour experimental period, during which animals received an infusion of Primene® 10%, or a co-infusion of insulin and 10% dextrose, as well as C13 leucine for determining cerebral protein synthesis. With Primene infusion, basic and neutral amino acids were increased, while acidic amino acids showed little change. With insulin/dextrose infusion, basic and neutral amino acids were decreased, while acidic amino acids were again little changed. Despite changes in circulating amino acids, there was no effect upon fetal electrocortical activity or cerebral protein synthesis for either group,
suggesting protective mechanisms for the fetal brain during periods of increased/decreased nutritional availability.
Recommended Citation
MacLachlan, James Nakahara, "INDUCED HYPER AND HYPO AMINOACIDEMIA IN THE NEAR TERM OVINE FETUS: EFFECTS ON ELECTROCORTICAL ACTIVITY AND CEREBRAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS" (2009). Digitized Theses. 4313.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4313