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A M Gorbach

Publications and source records attributed to A M Gorbach.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Dynamic infrared functional mapping of the cerebral cortex.

Although many neuroimaging methods (computer tomography, H+ and isotope clearance, [14C]deoxyglucose utilization, potential-sensitive dyes, electroencephalogram and magnetoencephalogram-mapping, nuclear magnetic resonance tomography, single photon emission computer tomography, and positron emission tomography) are now being used to map brain structure and function, there still exists a need for a new approach that is functional, dynamic, remote, and noninvasive, and that also has reasonable sensitivity and spatial and temporal resolution. Such a method is described here. Thermoencephaloscopy (TES), based on thermovision and digital image processing techniques, is a method of neuroimaging consisting of recording through the intact skull the very weak changes in infrared radiation that are connected with brain activity. The parameters of the method are: temperature sensitivity of 0.002 degrees C, instrumental spatial resolution of 70 microns pixel-1, and instrumental temporal resolution of 40 ms (enabling up to twenty-five maps to be produced per second). The distribution over the rat cerebral cortex of local, multiple, and modally and regionally specific thermoresponses to various sensory stimuli, direct cortical stimulation, and associative learning (conditioning), have been studied, as well as the spreading of thermowaves over the brain cortex. The underlying mechanisms which form the basis of the technique of TES, such as joule heating, local changes in brain metabolism and local cerebral blood flow, as well as the formation of thermodipoles, are discussed.

Animals

[Rapid thermal waves propagated through the cerebral cortex during visual stimulation].

Fast thermowaves spreading over the brain cortex were found and investigated in acute experiments on white rats using a new method of neuroimaging: thermoencephaloscopy (TES) through the intact skull. Thermowaves (amplitude 0.005-0.1 degree C, path 2-56 mm, length 10-15 mm, duration 1.2-11.4s, speed 1-33 mm/s) were evoked by light stimulation. With a high probability (0.92) they appeared during 15s before and 26s after the rhythmical flashes (interval 1.5-3 min). In about a half of cases the wave appeared in the contralateral visual cortex (fields 17 and 18a), spread to the middle-line of the brain and to the ipsilateral hemisphere (fields 17, 18a and 7). Local circle-spreading waves in the contralateral visual cortex and other waves differing in their trajectories and spreading from the ipsilateral visual cortex were also revealed. The possible functional significance of the effect as a reflection of scanning of the cortex by the focus of selective visual attention is discussed.

Animals

[Temperature distribution on the surface of the rat brain during direct electric stimulation].

Dynamics of spatial temperature distribution over the dorsal surface of the cerebral cortex was studied through the skull with the thermovision technique on immobilized white rats. Direct cortical stimulation revealed local thermoresponses (up to +0.2 degrees C) under electrodes, in the symmetrical point in the opposite hemisphere as well as in some other cortical zones. The response latency was within the limit of 160 ms, peak latency--2-5 s and relaxation time 2-3 min. Nembutal caused depression of thermoresponses, increase in their thresholds, limitation in size as well as slowing down of the development and prolongation in time.

Animals

[Movement of temperature waves across the cerebral cortex of the white rat].

In acute experiments on immobilized or anesthetized white rats the spatial distribution and dynamics of temperature on the dorsal surface of the cerebral cortex were investigated by the thermovision technique and digital image processing through the intact skull. Under certain conditions the appearance of moving thermowaves that spread over the cortex for 8-30 mm during 2-9 s with a rate of 2-10 mm/s was found. Among the trajectories of these waves the circular one was more common: it began in one hemisphere, spread in one or another direction, then went over to the second hemisphere, moved in the opposite direction and came back to the initial zone. Linear and semicircular trajectories were found as well with or without crossing from one hemisphere to the other. The mechanisms and possible functional significance of the effect are discussed.

Animals

[Innate forms of behavior and energy metabolism in the brain of the rat after phenazepam administration in the presence of inescapable painful stimulation].

Initially low level of motor search activity in test situations ("open field", maze) in rats previously grouped according to their passive behaviour with a partner-victim (Simonov method), does not essentially change after 3-week administration of phenazepam; the activity level of cytochrome oxidase in the cortex and hypothalamus is lowered. Phenazepam administration in conditions of prolonged unavoidable painful stimulation brings to a sharp increase of motor search activity and aggressive behaviour. Simultaneously the cytochrome oxidase activity increases in the same way as during a stress without phenazepam. This fact points to the independence of behavioural and biochemical effects in this case.

Aggression

[Spatial characteristics and the dynamics of the activation foci in the cortex during the elaboration of a conditioned reflex (thermographic research)].

In acute experiments on immobilized white rats, by thermovision methods and digital image processing, spatial distribution and dynamics of local heating and cooling of dorsal surface of the cerebral cortex was studied through intact skull during elaboration of a conditioned reflex. Distant and noninvasive thermovision methods allowed to reveal and quantitatively study local cortical thermal reactions in the somatosensory and motor cortex and in the cerebellum in the process of elaboration and testing of conditioned connection. Under discussion are mechanisms, properties and significance of these effects for investigation of learning.

Animals