Dynamics of interstimulus intervals in the activity of neurons of the sensorimotor cortex during the development of a food-procuring reflex in the rabbit

Abstract

The impulse activity of neurons of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) during the formation of a food-procuring reflex in the rabbit, as well as in trained animals if reinforcement is discontinued and substituted, was investigated. In the process of training the neurons of the SMC acquire the capacity for anticipatory reactions. The sudden abolition and substitution of reinforcement elicits the appearance of activity which is characteristic for the process of discordance in the acceptor of the result of the action. Repeated substitutions lead to the appearance of activity which is characterized by a coordination process at the moment of the "recognition" of the substitution, despite the absence of food reinforcement.