Biology

ii Stroke is the most prevalent neurological disease facing our nation today. Treatments, however, are few and insufficient at reducing the impact of this neurological condition. Experimental animal models are important to improving our understanding of stroke, and for developing new therapies to counter the pathology of stroke. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the leading tool for the non invasive investigation of stroke pathophysiology. While most MRI work in animals is conducted under anesthesia, anesthesia has profound effects on cerebral circulation and metabolism, and can affect stroke outcome. Several novel methods were combined with MRI compatible physiologic monitoring equipment to conduct stroke studies in conscious animals. Stress was studied as a factor in these studie