Role of corticofugal influences in mechanisms of formation of cortical bioelectrical activity.

In experiments on cats anesthetized with a mixture of chloralose and pentobarbital, reversible cooling of the 1st sensomotor area (SM-1) unilaterally to between 25 and 23 degree C was accompanied by a simultaneous and generalized change in the activity of other parts of the cortex. These changes were expressed either as the appearance of slow high - amplitude activity or, on the other hand, by a marked decrease in amplitude of the EEG. Warming the cooled region of the cortex was followed by restoration of the normal EEG of the other parts of the cortex. These changes in electroencephalographic activity of the cortical areas are discussed in connection with the existence of synchronizing and desynchronizing subcortical brain structures.