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On
epidemiologic grounds there is an association
among snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, stroke,
and other signs of impaired brain function.
The main reason for the effects of these conditions
is the severe, intermittent hypoxia due to periods
of cessation of breathing during the night.
Our lab examines the effects of chronic hypoxic
conditions on brain metabolism and blood flow in the
rat model. We want to document the
physiological mechanisms which are triggered by
hypoxia to determine which are successful and which
might be responsible for further pathology. We
are especially concerned with the growth and
arrangement of the small brain capillaries, and in
the control of resting and responsive local tissue
blood flow.
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