Performance Recovery in the Baboon Following (+)G sub z-Induced Loss of Consciousness
Abstract
Seven male baboons (avg. wt. 20.6 +/- 1.6 kg) were trained in a simple shock-avoidance performance task on the Armstrong Laboratory human/animal centrifuge for subsequent (+)G sub z-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) exposure. A red light was presented to the baboon at approximate 2-s intervals. The animal was allowed 1 s to turn off the light or receive a 1-s shock. The shock could be abbreviated by a late trigger pull (escape). Thus, the animal could avoid, escape, or accept the full shock. EEG was monitored from three transcranial stainless steel electrodes. Loss of consciousness (LOC) was induced by a rapid onset (4 or 6 G/s) exposure to 8 (+)G sub z, (head-to-feet inertial load), and sustained until LOC was identified by a near isoelectric EEG signal. Performance recovery time was measured from the return of EEG activity to the time when the animal resumed the performance task. These data were compared with previously obtained human data and found to be very similar. Also, it was found that performance recovery time significantly (p<.001) increased with increased duration of unconsciousness. This study demonstrates the utility of the baboon as an animal model for G-LOC research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274411
Entities
People
- Andrew B. Dollins
- John W. Burns
- John W. Fanton
- Paul M. Werchan
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory