[Mechanism of participation of neostriate nuclei in the organization of a conditioned reflex]

Abstract

Formation and manifestation of classical and instrumental conditioned reflexes were studied in dogs under the action of electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus and the putamen or after their electrolytic ablation. The extent of higher nervous activity changes depended on the localization of the electrodes in the nuclei and on the complexity of the tests used. Ablation of the caudate nucleus body elicited graver and longer disturbances in the system of conditioned reflexes than that of the head. Under the action of the neostriate nuclei delayed reactions changed to a greater extent than simple forms of conditioned reflexes. Proceeding from the data obtained, it has been assumed that the mechanism of neostriate influences on conditioned reflexes dependes on their comparatory function, the mechanism of comparing cortical and subcortical impulses at the striate level.