Comparative pathology of higher nervous activity

In experiments with defensive behaviour, using multiparametric recording of indices, studies have been made on the origin and development of pathological disturbances in the higher nervous activity of insectivores, carnivores and primates during presentation of difficult conditioned reflex problems or extreme stimulation. It was found that elaboration of absolute differentiation retarded conditioned reactions with a delay of 25 s in insectivores is a difficult task which results in pathological changes in the higher nervous activity. In hedgehogs, neurotic changes are immediate, all the investigated indices being affected. In carnivores, especially in primates, the onset of evident pathological changes is preceded by a long preneurotic period, i.e. a stage of self-regulation. In pathological process, more corticalized forms of the nervous activity are initially involved. Common features and differences in the development of pathological changes in the higher nervous activity among mammals are discussed.     

The effect of different anamnesis during ontogeny on higher nervous activity in rats.

The consequences of malnutrition, experimental experience and sensory deprivation during early postnatal life were investigated in adult rats. The higher nervous activity of experimental animals was evaluated by means of a battery of tests (exploratory activity, avoidance reaction, preference of a small chamber and a water maze). Rats were divided into 5 groups, i. e. control, trained (with previous experimental experience), light deprived, malnourished naive (12-14 animals in the litter) and malnourished trained. From experimental data obtained it may be concluded that the level of nutrition as well as sensory deprivation or additional stimulation during development are important factors the influence of which persists and modifies the somatic development and the higher nervous activity in adult animals. Light deprived and malnourished rats showed retarded somatic development and worse parameters of higher nervous activity. The difference between groups could be altered by augmented stimulation. Previous experimental experience and intensive handling seems to be an important factor which influences the higher nervous activity of experimental animals.     

Brain function and higher nervous activity

Some actual problems of higher nervous activity have been analysed on the peculiarities of brain states in the course of different types of conditioning and reactivity of the nervous structures which depend on the brain state have been considered. A concept of brain state as a specific mechanism of each temporal connection forming during the learning process has been formulated for the first time. The authors suggest that the brain represents the dynamic system with changeable structure which reveals itself in multitude nervous set constellation during various types of activity. This concept is presented to be the theoretical basis for integral evaluation of functional capacities of central nervous system.     

The effect of prolonged restriction of physical activity on exercise performance in dogs.

2-months restriction of physical activity of dogs markedly reduced their capacity for prolonged running. The rate of exercise-induced Tre increases was significantly higher in the cage-confined dogs in comparison with controls. At the point of exhaustion blood glucose concentration and muscle glycogen content were similar in the control and cage-confined animals, in spite of the much shorter time of exercise until exhaustion in the latter. The exercise-induced increases in plasma FFA concentration were considerably lower in dogs after prolonged inactivity period in spite of the greater activation of the adrenergic system. It is concluded, that there are several factors which may contribute to the reduction of the ability of cage-confined dogs to perform prolonged physical exercise. The most important seems to be the diminished muscle glycogen content, modifications in exercise metabolism and exercise-induced hyperthermia.