Recent findings from this laboratory suggest that infant rat pups' ultrasonic vocalization, oxygen utilization, respiration and non-shivering thermogenesis are functionally interrelated. We hypothesize that the pups' vocalizations are primarily the result of an adaptive, laryngeal/respiratory maneuver associated with phases of increased metabolic heat production and low oxygenation. To better understand the temporal and causal relationships among these correlated variables, we shall combine modern thermal imaging methods with other non-invasive techniques for measuring oxygen consumption, respiration and vocalization. Thermal imaging promises to provide real-time, highly accurate data on thermogenesis and patterns of body-warming and cooling that may explain changes in infant respiration and vocalization. A series of developmental and mechanistic analyses address the special problems, associated with the transition from fetal adaptations to infant adaptations. Thermal imaging will also be applied to postnatal behavior of infants during learning and in social settings, where traditional measurement techniques cannot be used due to mechanical interference. Together, these studies should provide new perspectives on perinatal behavior and physiology, particularly in relation to issues of respiration, thermal balance and communicatory signals.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD028246-02
Application #
3329839
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SRC (08))
Project Start
1991-06-01
Project End
1994-05-31
Budget Start
1992-06-01
Budget End
1993-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University Bloomington
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
006046700
City
Bloomington
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
47401