The autoradiographic technique of Landau et al. (1955) for measuring
blood flow in laboratory animals demonstrated for the first time that
metabolic needs within the brain differ from region to region. The
highest rate of blood flow was found in the inferior colliculi. Believing the
noise of their equipment had caused an increased rate of circulation to
the auditory system, Landau et al. repeated their experiments with
deafened animals, but again found the highest rate of blood flow in the
inferior colliculi.
The finding of highest blood flow in the auditory system and other
brainstem nuclei such as the mammillary bodies provided an explanation
for why anoxia, thiamine deficiency, and toxic chemicals often lead to
bilaterally symmetric lesions within the brainstem.
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3 - Autoradiographic measurement of cerebral blood flow