Dynamics of evoked potentials in the auditory zone of the dog cerebral cortex following extirpation of the medial geniculate bodies during formation of goal-directed behavior

Abstract

Integrative processes in the auditory cortical zone were studied in three dogs by EEG and EP parameters during the formation of a defensive reaction to clicks (four clicks, two per second) after the extirpation of the medial geniculate bodies. In the operated animals information is transmitted to the cortical end of the auditory analyser by compensatory paths with a larger number of relays. In the auditory cortex EPs are recorded with a longer latency (12 to 16 msec), and the duration of the negative EP component is increased (up to 40 msec). It is split mainly on the ascending front. The cortical end of the analyser participates in the formation of processes of afferent synthesis. In the active period of reflex elaboration the inflow of information increases: the EP amplitude and the duration of its main negative component become greater (up to 45-55 msec), as well as the splits on its fronts. In the course of preparing for a decision, before the achievement of the conditioned reaction, a "double EP" appears, which is due to enhanced reverberation of excitations in the compensatory paths.