[Physiologic analysis of the effect of micropolarization on trace processes]

Abstract

In chronic experiments on cats a conditioned reflex to time was elaborated by means of periodic passive liftings of one extremity during continuous subthreshold pressor stimulation of the same limb or during micropolarization of the contralateral sensorimotor cortical with a 0,2--1,8 mca current. In animals conditioned during pressor stimulation, trace motor reactions appeared in response to the stimulation or to micropolarization of the sensorimotor cortex and of several subcortical structures. In animals conditioned during micropolarization, trace motor responses were obtained both to sensorimotor cortex polarization and to pressor stimulation of the "conditioned" leg. The authors suggest a common physiological mechanism of the phenomena observed.