Alterations of behavior following stimulation of the claustrum of the cat

Abstract

The claustrum, internal, external and extreme capsules, putamen and ectosylvian cortex of 27 awake, unrestrained cats were stimulated. The alterations in behavior were as follows: 1. 1. Motor activity consisting of contraversion of the head and body was seen during a high frequency (60/sec) stimulation of the claustrum, internal and external capsule, putamen and cortex, in 7 experiments. 2. 2. Autonomic activity consisting of salivation, eructation, urination and dilatation of the pupil was seen during high frequency stimulation of the claustrum, internal and external capsule, in 4 experiments. 3. 3. An inactivation syndrome was seen after high frequency stimulation of the claustrum, internal and extreme capsule, in 12 experiments. 4. 4. Behavior consistent with natural sleep was noted after low frequency, high voltage stimulation of the claustrum and internal capsule, in 2 experiments.