Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine  2003;8(1):29-32

doi:10.1007/BF02897941

Application of specific brain function evaluation by optical topography.

Akiko OBATA 1 ; Kanehisa MORIMOTO ; Tatsuya TAKESHITA ; Yuriko ISSHIKI ; Masahiro TODA

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

ALDH2 genotypes; alcohol; brain function; finger tapping; optical topography

Country

Japan

Language

English

Abstract

OBJECTIVESTo use the evaluation of a specific brain function obtained by optical topography. This system uses a non invasive method to measure brain function unlike other major systems.

METHODSTwelve optical fibers were attached to the subject's head. Hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were measured during finger tapping before and after alcohol intake for eachALDH2 genotype.

RESULTSDifferent hemodynamic changes in the motor cortex were observed among, theALDH2 genotypes.

CONCLUSIONSOptical topography is a useful tool for evaluating specific brain functions. Further research is needed on the relations between various environmental factors and brain functions by optical topography.