[Spike reactions of neurons of the cat thalamic reticular nucleus during elaboration of an instrumental conditioned reflex].

Spike reactions of 156 neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus (R) have been studied during performance of instrumental alimentary conditioned reflex. These reactions consist of initial and late phases. The latencies of initial reaction phase are 10-100 ms and duration--50-250 ms. The minimum data of late phase latencies are 100-300 ms. Initial responses to the conditional sound click are found in 27 neurons: 26 of them show excitation and one neuron--inhibitory-excitatory responses. The late reaction phase has been observed in 134 neurons only during performance of conditioned placing reactions: 115 of them show excitation, 19 neurons--inhibition and 22 neurons--were not reactive. Responses of 30 neurons forestalled the performance of conditioned forelimb movement. 118 neurons responded during the ballistic phase of the movement. It is concluded that the thalamic reticular nucleus takes part in the conditional signal perception and in the preparation and control of conditioned movement performance.