Abstract

We have developed techniques for chronic recording of electrocortical activity in the fetal and neonatal guinea pig with subsequent power spectral analysis. Thirty-four unanethesized, unrestrained pregnant Hartley guinea pigs were studied 1 to 14 days following surgical procedures. Twelve neonatal animals instrumented during the first week of life were studied at 3 to 30 days. Spontaneous, undifferentiated electrocortical activity was recorded from the youngest fetuses studied, with high-voltage slow activity appearing at 50 days' gestation. Cycling electrocortical activity and sleep spindles could be observed in the late-term fetal and neonatal animals, with rapid eye movements and behavioral state defined in the latter. Power spectral analysis demonstrated more predominant delta activity, faster beta frequencies, and better-developed sleep spindles in the neonatal animal as compared to the fetus.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call