Abstract
This chapter discusses some of the problems related to the participation of cholinergic mechanisms in behavior. A number of workers have demonstrated the participation of cholinergic mechanisms in behavioral reactions. Also, a series of experiments have been performed on animals. An auditory signal was combined with an electric shock delivered through the grid floor. Fear reaction was well established after 3 or 4 combined stimuli and was expressed by the following symptoms: the animal stood stock still with the head drawn in, eyes closed and ears retracted. Urination and defecation were commonly observed. Most or the existing hypotheses on neurohumoral behavioral mechanisms are based mainly on changes in food and defense conditioned reflexes under the effect of adrenergic and cholinergic drugs. Data on the changes in conditioned reflexes under the effects of these agents cannot serve as proof that defensive responses are adrenergic or that food responses are cholinergic in nature. All the drugs stimulating the chemoreactive brain structures in low doses intensify conditioned responses. Large doses inhibit conditioned reflex activity and depression of food conditioned responses is observed. In intermediate doses, agents stimulating cholinergic and adrenergic brain structures raise the conditioned reflexes but do not modify the electroencephalogram (EEG) or behavior.
Published Version
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