[Conditioned reflexes following unilateral damage to the premotor cortex and the dorsal portion of the head of the caudate nucleus in dogs]

Abstract

The study was carried out on dogs by the secretory-motor method with a two-side reinforcement. Simultaneous and unilateral lesion of the premotor cortex and of the dorsal part of the caudate nucleus head brought about prolonged disturbances of the vegetative components (pulse and respiratory rate) and in the choice of the side of food reinforcement. The change in the magnitude of conditioned salivation, latencies of secretion and motor reaction was temporary, and by the end of the third postoperative period their initial magnitudes were restored. The duration of the disturbances of higher nervous activity depended on the localization and extent of lesion of the caudate nucleus head. Tests were made with chlorpromazine and caffeine before and after the lesion of the brain structures. The tests in the postoperative period revealed latent disturbances in the dog higher nervous activity. It is assumed that the premotor cortex and the dorsal part of the caudate nucleus head are one of the sub-systems involved in the regulation of vegetative, somatic components of unconditioned behaviour and in the analysis of conditioned stimuli.