The encephalogram and electromyogram of motor conditioned reflexes after paralysis with curare

Abstract

The author, like Liwanow, distinguishes three stages of bioelectric changes in the brain of a rabbit during the formation of a defensive motor conditioned reflex. He also separates a fourth stage, an already formed conditioned reflex, in which the rhythmic activity in the kinaesthetic analyzer disappears. A number of rabbits were subjected to the following procedures: 1. (a) Paralysis of the extremity with curare. 2. (b) Substitution of active with passive movements during the operation of the conditioned stimulus. 3. (c) The formation of conditioned motor reflexes after administration of pontocaine into the joint. In the light of these studies, the author discusses the factors underlying the appearance and disappearance of the driven rhythmic activity in the kinaesthetic analyzer (stages III and IV) and emphasizes the importance of proprioceptive stimuli for the formation of motor conditioned reflexes.