Spectral-correlative characteristics of the EEG reactions preceding conditioned reflex motor reactions in dogs

The work is a logical continuation of previous studies (analysis of the background electrical activity in the band 1-100 Hz in interstimulus intervals in the process of lever pressing alimentary conditioning in dogs) and it is dedicated to correlation-spectral analysis of prestimulus periods and EEG-reactions to conditioned stimuli, previous to conditioned lever pressing. Visually the EEG reactions present discharges of high-frequency (40-100 Hz) synchronized activity preceding for 40-300 ms the beginning of the changes in EMG of the "working" limb. It is shown that EEG reactions are characterized (in comparison with the background activity) by a higher energetic level and a greater expression of the high coherence (I greater than 0.75) and also by greater phase shifts, in counterbalance to the domination of little phase shifts in the background activity. It is assumed that the patterns of EEG reactions may participate in trigger mechanisms either eliciting conditioned motor reactions (to positive conditioned stimuli) or preventing them (to inhibitory conditioned stimuli).     

Complex alimentary motor conditioned reflex reactions in cats and dogs]

The ability of animals to perform a complex motor task representing a model of compensatory discrete tracing was investigated in dogs and cats. Elongation of a light spot on an oscilloscope screen into a vertical line served as a signal of motor reaction. The reaction consisted in several movements, each of which reduced the initial signal change by 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 or 1/5 of its value. Alimentary reinforcement was given only after a reduction of the signal to its initial level. Signals with a different number of steps of transition to their initial state were presented at random. It was found that learned animals were capable of a stable behaviour of a compensatory discrete tracing type. A hypothesis has been advanced about a probabilistic participation of visual control in the realization of tracing motor behaviour.     

Characteristics of the conditioned motor reactions of unrestrained elasmobranches and teleosts

In elasmobranch (Scyllium canicula, Galleus canis) and teleost (Migull capitocum) fishes it is possible to form motor food-searching conditioned reflexes to discrimination of light and darkness. Some differences were revealed in ecological and conditioned motor behavioural activities in higher and lower sharks. Elasmobranch and teleost fishes exhibit significant differences in ecological, feeding and conditioned reflex behaviour. Nervous activity in elasmobranchs is characterized by lower and primitive organization as compared to that in teleosts.     

Dissociation of reproduction of conditioned vegetative and motor reactions during retrograde electroconvulsive amnesia]

It has been shown in chronic experiments on rats that electro-convulsive action applied in five to ten seconds after one-session conditioning completely precludes the reproduction of conditioned motor reactions, while conditioned bradycardiac reactions are clearly reproduced in tests one hour and 24 hours after elaboration. Unconditioned stimulus presented in another experimental situation six to seven days after elaboration and amnesic action, leads to a stable reproduction of the previously non-achieved conditioned motor reactions. The results obtained suggest that electrical seizures influence the reproduction of motor reactions, rather than fixation of temporary connection.