Mechanisms of the formation of reactions of cat motor cortex neurons associated with the triggering of the conditioned placing reflex: a hypothesis

Abstract

The possible physiological mechanisms of the generation of reactions by neurons of the cat motor cortex during the triggering of a conditioned placing reflex are examined. It is hypothesized that neurons of the motor cortex function as a neuronal generator similar to the spinal generator of locomotion, which can be triggered through ion channels that are controlled by NMDA-type glutamate receptors. The conditions necessary for the opening of these channels under the influence of glutamate are achieved by the conditioned "arousal reaction", the neurochemical equivalent of which is an intensification of the cholinergic and noradrenergic and/or serotoninergic afferentation to the cortex.