Modulation of the spike activity of neocortex neurons during a conditioned reflex.

Experiments were conducted on cats to study the effects of iontophoretic application of glutamate and a number of modulators on the spike activity of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex during a conditioned reflex. These studies showed that glutamate, as well as exerting a direct influence on neuron spike activity, also had a delayed facilitatory action lasting 10-20 min after iontophoresis was finished. Adrenomimetics were found to have a double modulatory effect on intracortical glutamate connections: inhibitory and facilitatory effects were mediated by beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptors respectively.

[The modulation of the pulse activity of neocortical neurons during a conditioned reflex].

Spontaneous and evoked activity of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex was recorded in cats with learned conditioned placing reaction before, during, and after the iontophoretic application of synaptically active substances. It was shown that apart from direct excitatory effect on the cortical neurons during its application, glutamate (Glu) exerted some modulatory influence on unit activity in subsequent 20 min. Noradrenaline suppressed the background and evoked activity through beta 1 adrenoreceptors.

[Role of glutamate intracortical connections in conditioned reflex activity].

The effects of iontophoretic application of glutamate and its blockers on neuronal activity of the sensorimotor cortex were studied in cat during fulfillment of conditioned instrumental placing reflex. 64 neurons were investigated. Application of glutamate caused reliable facilitation of neuronal impulse reactions to the conditioned stimulus.