Topographic distribution of the EEG ad hoc broad bands during sleep and wakefulness in the spider monkey (Ateles Geoffroyi).

There is evidence that research on sleep among New World monkeys may provide important knowledge related to the evolution of sleep more broadly in the primate order. Digital electroencephalographic (EEG) analyses provide essential knowledge on sleep in the spider monkey. Recently, specific EEG bands related to sleep in these animals have been obtained using principal component analysis, but the exact spatio-temporal distribution of these EEG bands in this species has not yet been analyzed. This study determined the topographic distribution of the EEG spectral power of ad hoc broad bands during rapid eye movement sleep, nonrapid eye movement sleep, and wakefulness. Superficial EEG activity was obtained from the occipital, frontal, and central areas of six young adult male monkeys housed in a laboratory. During wakefulness, occipital areas showed high absolute power in the 1-3, 3-12, and 11-30 Hz ranges, while during nonrapid eye movement 1 sleep the highest absolute power was in the 13-30 Hz range. During nonrapid eye movement 3 sleep, frontal and central areas showed a high absolute power in the 18-19 Hz range. Finally, the right central area showed a high absolute power in the 20-30 Hz range during rapid eye movement sleep. This topographic distribution of EEG bands could represent the brain organization required for arousal and mnemonic processing during sleep in the spider monkey.

Cortical beta EEG oscillations related to changes in muscle tone activity during sleep in spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi).

BACKGROUND: The physiological mechanisms that allow for sleeping in a vertical position, which is primordial for arboreal primates, have not been studied yet. METHODS: A non-invasive polysomnographic study of 6 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) was conducted. The relative beta power of the motor cortex and its linear relation with muscle tone in the facial mentalis muscle and the abductor caudae medialis muscle of the tail during wakefulness and sleep stages were calculated. RESULTS: A strong negative linear relationship (r = -.8, P = .03) was found between the relative power of the beta2 band in the left motor cortex and abductor caudae medialis muscle tone during delta sleep. CONCLUSIONS: The left motor cortex, through beta2 band activity, interacts with abductor caudae medialis muscle tonicity during delta sleep. This interaction takes part in the mechanisms that regulate the sleep postures.

Efeitos hemodinâmicos da anestesia em plano profundo com infusão intravenosa contínua de propofol ou propofol associado à lidocaína em cães / Hemodynamic effects of deep anesthesia with a constant rate infusion of propopol or propofol combined with lidocaine in dogs

Os efeitos hemodinâmicos da anestesia total intravenosa com propofol ou propofol associado à lidocaína foram estudados em 12 cães. No grupo P (n=6), os animais receberam bolus de 6mg kg-1 de propofol e infusão contínua de 1,25mg kg-1 min-1. No grupo PL (n=6), os animais receberam bolus de 6mg kg-1 de propofol e 1,5mg kg-1 de lidocaína, seguido de infusão de 1,0mg kg-1 min-1 e 0,25mg kg-1 min-1, dos mesmos fármacos, respectivamente. Os animais foram instrumentados para mensuração das variáveis hemodinâmicas e do índice bispectral (BIS), aos 75, 90, 105 e 120 minutos de anestesia. Foram observados valores menores de índice cardíaco, índice sistólico, pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média no grupo P do que no grupo PL (P<0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos na frequência cardíaca, índice de resistência vascular sistêmica e BIS. As concentrações plasmáticas de propofol foram menores no grupo PL do que no grupo P (medianas de 5,7 a 6,1µg mL-1 no grupo P versus 3,1 a 3,7µg mL-1 no grupo PL). As concentrações plasmáticas de lidocaína (medianas de 2,27 a 2,51µg mL-1) mensuradas encontram-se na faixa que resulta em analgesia e abaixo de valores que resultam em toxicidade em cães. Os valores de BIS obtidos nos dois grupos foram compatíveis com plano profundo de anestesia (médias de 43 a 46 e 45 a 49 nos grupos P e PL, respectivamente). A manutenção da anestesia em plano profundo com lidocaína-propofol causa menor depressão cardiovascular do que a anestesia com dose equipotente de propofol isoladamente.(AU)

The hemodynamic effects of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol or propofol in combination with lidocaine were investigated in 12 dogs. In the P group (n=6), the dogs received a loading dose (LD) of 6mg kg-1 of propofol followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 1.25mg kg-1 min-1. In the PL group (n=6), dogs received a LD of 6mg kg-1 of propofol and 1.5mg kg-1 of lidocaine followed by CRIs of 1.0mg kg-1 min-1 and 0.25mg kg-1 min-1 of propofol and lidocaine, respectively. The animals were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamic variables and bispectral index (BIS), recorded at 75, 90, 105 and 120 minutes during anesthesia. Cardiac index, stroke index, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures were lower in the P group compared to the PL group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance index and BIS. Plasma concentrations of propofol were lower in group PL than in group P (medians of 5.7 to 6.1mg mL-1 in the P group versus 3.1 to 3.7mg mL-1 in the PL group). Measured lidocaine plasma concentrations (medians of 2.27 to 2.51mg mL-1) were in the range that result in analgesia and were below values that result in toxicity in dogs. The BIS values observed in the two groups of dogs were compatible with deep anesthesia (mean values of 43-46 and 45-49 in groups P and PL, respectively). Maintenance of deep anesthesia with lidocaine-propofol causes less cardiovascular depression than equipotent doses of propofol alone.(AU)

Uroguanylin induces electroencephalographic spikes in rats / Uroguanilina induz potenciais em espiga no eletroencefalograma de ratos

Uroguanylin (UGN) is an endogenous peptide that acts on membrane-bound guanylate cyclase receptors of intestinal and renal cells increasing cGMP production and regulating electrolyte and water epithelial transport. Recent research works demonstrate the expression of this peptide and its receptor in the central nervous system. The current work was undertaken in order to evaluate modifications of electroencephalographic spectra (EEG) in anesthetized Wistar rats, submitted to intracisternal infusion of uroguanylin (0.0125 nmoles/min or 0.04 nmoles/min). The current observations demonstrate that 0.0125 nmoles/min and 0.04 nmoles/min intracisternal infusion of UGN significantly enhances amplitude and frequency of sharp waves and evoked spikes (p = 0.03). No statistical significance was observed on absolute alpha and theta spectra amplitude. The present data suggest that UGN acts on bioelectrogenesis of cortical cells by inducing hypersynchronic firing of neurons. This effect is blocked by nedocromil, suggesting that UGN acts by increasing the activity of chloride channels.(AU)

A uroguanilina (UGN) é um peptídeo endógeno que age em receptores do tipo guanilato ciclase de membrana de células intestinais e renais aumentando a produção de GMPc e regulando o transporte epitelial de eletrólitos e água. Pesquisas recentes demonstraram a expressão deste peptídeo e de seus receptores no sistema nervosa central. O presente trabalho foi realizado com objetivo de avaliar possíveis mudanças no espectro do eletroencefalograma (EEG) de ratos Wistar anestesiados, submetidos à infusão intracisternal de uroguanilina (0.0125 nmoles/min or 0.04 nmoles/min). Os resultados apresentados no corrente trabalho demonstram que a infusão intracisternal de ambas as doses de UGN aumenta significativamente a amplitude e frequência das espículas (p = 0.03). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas na amplitude absoluta dos espectros alfa ou teta. Os dados apresentados neste trabalho mostram que a UGN age na bioeletrogênese de células corticais induzindo disparo hipersincrônico de neurônios. Este efeito é bloqueado por nedocromil, sugerindo que UGN atua pelo aumento de atividade de canais de cloreto.(AU)

Análise espectral da atividade elétrica cerebral de eqüinos submetidos à cafeína / Spectral analysis of brain electrical activity of horses subjected to caffeine

A cafeína é um potente estimulante do sistema nervoso central dos animais e vem sendo usada para melhorar o desempenho de cavalos atletas devido a sua propriedade de estímulo da atividade motora e redução da fadiga muscular. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o perfil eletroencefalográfico de equinos submetidos a cafeína comercial utilizando eletrodos de superfície e biotelemetria. Foram utilizados dois protocolos experimentais. No primeiro protocolo dois equinos (A e B) foram submetidos a cafeína comercial e no segundo protocolo dois animais controle (C e D) foram submetidos a um placebo com solução fisiológica. O EEG obtido dessas situações foi analisado no ambiente Matlab® onde se avaliou os espectros de potência. Os dados foram analisados por One-way ANOVA valores de p < 0,05 usando vários testes estatísticos. A análise do espectro resultante mostrou predominância de frequências nas faixas de 20 Hz e 35 Hz para o animal A; 15 Hz, 20 Hz e 25 Hz para o animal B, essas frequências foram verificadas nos animais antes de serem submetidos à cafeína; quando foram submetidos à cafeína foi observado um pico predominante em 10 Hz em ambos indivíduos. Para os animais controle, a frequência observada foi de 15 Hz e 25 Hz para o animal C e para o animal D as frequências foram 15 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz e 35 Hz. Para ambos os animais submetidos à cafeína os resultados estatísticos comprovaram que houve diferenças entre as médias da densidade espectral de potência dos sinais adquiridos. Para os animais que foram submetidos ao placebo os testes estatísticos demonstraram que não houve diferenças das médias dos espectros constatando que a aplicação do placebo não teve efeito na atividade elétrica cerebral nos equin os estudados. Conclui-se que o EEG registrou um padrão diferenciado para os animais que foram submetidos à cafeína.

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system of animals and has been used to improve performance in athletic horses due to its property of stimulating motor activity and reduced muscle fatigue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the electroencephalographic pattern of horses undergoing caffeine by the use of surface electrodes and biotelemetry system. Two experimental protocols were carried out. In the first protocol two horses (A and B) were submitted to commercial caffeine and in the second protocol two control horses (C and D) were submitted to a saline placebo. The EEG was obtained and analyzed in Matlab® by evaluating the power spectra. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with p-value <0.05 using several statistical tests. The results of spectrum analysis showed predominance of frequency bands from 20 Hz to 35 Hz for animal A and 15 Hz, 20 Hz and 25 Hz for animal B; these frequencies were observed in the animals before being subjected to caffeine; when they were submitted to caffeine it was observed a predominant peak at 10 Hz in both individuals. For animals used as control the observed frequency was 15 Hz and 25 Hz for animal C; for animal D frequencies were 15 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz and 35 Hz. For both animals submitted to caffeine statistical results showed that there were differences between the means of the power spectral density of signals acquired. For animals that underwent placebo saline statistical tests showed no differences of mean spectra stating that the application of placebo had no effect on brain electrical activity studied in horses. Overall results had shown that the EEG pattern was influenced by caffeine.

Electroencephalographic evaluation of gold wire implants inserted in acupuncture points in dogs with epileptic seizures.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate both, clinically and with electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, the effect of gold wire implants in acupuncture points in dogs with uncontrolled idiopathic epileptic seizures. Fifteen dogs with such diagnosis were enrolled in the study. A first EEG recording was performed in all dogs under anaesthesia with xylazine (1mg/kg) and propofol (6 mg/kg) before the treatment protocol, and a second EEG was performed 15 weeks later. Relative frequency power, intrahemispheric coherence available through EEG, number of seizures and seizure severity were compared before and after treatment using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. There were no significant statistical differences before and after treatment in relative power or in intrahemispheric coherence in the EEG recording. However, there was a significant mean difference in seizure frequency and seizure severity between control and treatment periods. After treatment, nine of the 15 dogs (60%) had at least a 50% reduction in seizures frequency during the 15 weeks established as follow-up of this treatment.

Bispectral index in dogs at three intravenous infusion rates of propofol.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the correlation between the bispectral index (BIS) and different rates of infusion of propofol in dogs. Study design Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Eight adult dogs weighing 6-20 kg. METHODS: Eight animals underwent three treatments at intervals of 20 days. Propofol was used for induction of anesthesia (10 mg kg(-1) IV), followed by a continuous rate infusion (CRI) at 0.2 mg kg(-1) minute(-1) (P2), 0.4 mg kg(-1) minute(-1) (P4) or 0.8 mg kg(-1) minute(-1) (P8) for 55 minutes. The BIS values were measured at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes (T10, T20, T30, T40, and T50, respectively) after the CRI of propofol was started. Numeric data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The BIS differed significantly among groups at T40, when P8 was lower than P2 and P4. At T50, P8 was lower than P2. The electromyographic activity (EMG) in P2 and P4 was higher than P8 at T40 and T50. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in propofol infusion rates decreases the BIS values and EMG.

Use of bispectral index to monitor depth of anesthesia in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the bispectral index (BIS) and end-tidal isoflurane (ET(ISO)) concentration and compare the use of 3 BIS sensor positions in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 adult dogs. PROCEDURES: Mechanically ventilated dogs received pancuronium, and depth of anesthesia was altered by increasing ET(ISO) concentration from 1.5% to 2.3% and 3.0%. The BIS, suppression ratio (relative percentage of isoelectric electroencephalographic waveforms), and signal quality index (SQI) were recorded at each ET(ISO) concentration for each of 3 BIS sensor positions (frontal-occipital, bifrontal, and frontal-temporal positions). RESULTS: The BIS and ET(ISO) concentration were poorly correlated; regardless of sensor positioning, mean BIS values did not change significantly as ET(ISO) was increased. At 3% isoflurane, regardless of sensor positioning, there was an increase in suppression ratio coincident with BIS < 40 in some dogs, whereas paradoxic increases in BIS (> 60) were recorded in others. Furthermore, at 3.0% isoflurane, the SQI was significantly lower for the bifrontal sensor position (compared with values for the other positions), but low SQI values prevented recording of BIS values from the frontal-occipital sensor position in 2 dogs. Overall, BIS values derived from the 3 sensor positions did not differ. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, BIS values may not reflect changes in depth of isoflurane anesthesia in the absence of noxious stimulation. Of the 3 sensor positions, frontal-temporal positioning provided better correlation with changes in depth of anesthesia induced via changes in isoflurane concentrations. However, the sensor placements yielded similar results at SQI values > 50.

Neurohormonal, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic evaluations of healthy dogs receiving long-term administration of doxorubicin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic testing that could be used to establish an early diagnosis of cardiotoxicosis induced by long-term administration of doxorubicin. ANIMALS: 13 adult mixed-breed dogs. Procedures-7 dogs were administered doxorubicin chloride (30 mg/m(2), IV, q 21 d for 168 days [cumulative dose, 240 mg/m(2)]), and 6 dogs received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5 mL, IV, q 21 d for 168 days; control group). Echocardiography, ECG, arterial blood pressure, plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed before each subsequent administration of doxorubicin and saline solution. RESULTS: Dogs that received doxorubicin had a significant decrease in R-wave amplitude, compared with values for the control group, from 30 to 210 mg/m(2). Doxorubicin-treated dogs had decreases in fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction evident as early as 30 mg/m(2), but significant differences between groups were not detected until 90 mg/m(2)was reached. There was also a significant increase in PRA (>or= 120 mg/m(2)) and left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions (>or= 60 and >or= 180 mg/m(2), respectively). Systemic arterial pressure, remaining echocardiographic variables, and concentrations of norepinephrine and BNP had significant variations, but of no clinical importance, during doxorubicin administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Doxorubicininduced cardiotoxicosis developed at 120 mg/m(2), but there were no clinical signs of dilated cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Echocardiography and determination of PRA were able to detect early cardiac alterations during the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, despite apparently differing degrees of sensitivity to development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicosis.

Electrical activity of prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental area during rat maternal behavior.

Maternal behavior is a motivated behavior that includes pup-directed sequential motor acts. The dopaminergic (DAergic) brain systems have been proposed to play an important role in voluntary maternal acts, however, not much is known about the way these systems function during the performance of this behavior. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a sensitive tool that allows determination of the simultaneous functioning of different structures in relation to specific cognitive processes or motor acts. The present study recorded the function of the two structures that constitute the mesoprefrontal DAergic system, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) by EEG during the performance of various maternal behaviors. Bilateral EEG from the VTA and medial PFC (mPFC) was simultaneously recorded during typical maternal acts and was compared to that recorded during non-maternal behaviors in freely moving female rats. Three different frequency bands (6-7, 8-11, and 12-21 Hz) were obtained from principal component analysis applied to the EEG for both structures. In the left and right mPFC and VTA, absolute power (AP) of the 8-11 Hz band showed a significant increase during pup retrieval compared to the EEG during walking. In the left and right mPFC and VTA, AP of the three bands showed a significant increase during pup licking with respect to forepaw licking. No differences in the EEG were found during inactive nursing behaviors compared to the awake quiet condition. The mPFC and VTA presented characteristic EEG patterns during active maternal behaviors but not during inactive maternal behaviors. This provides electrical evidence of the involvement of these structures in the performance of maternal behavior.