Effect of polarization on dynamics of switching functional interconnections between brain structures

Abstract

1. Functional connections between structures in the limbic system may change during adaptation of the animal to the external environment, and also after application of small polarizing currents to brain structures. Dominant connections, preserved in different situations, and changes arising in transitional periods can be distinguished. 2. In the process of adaptation, stages of an increase in the number of functional connections, of switching and of blocking can be distinguished. 3. Polarization of cell structures and also of neuron pathways leads to changes in their connections with other structures. The effect of polarization depends on the character of the connections of that particular structure before polarization; if few connections are present initially, polarization increases their number; but if many connections are present in the background, it blocks them. 4. It may be postulated that changes in the steady potential of brain structures play a role in the mechanism of facilitation or weakening of functional connections.