The influence of microiontophoretic application of acetylcholine on the formation of conditioned reactions of neurons of the motor cortex.

The activity of neurons of the motor cortex with simultaneous application to them of acetylcholine was recorded in awake rabbits in the process of the development of a conditioned defense reflex. The conditioned reflex changes were found primarily in cholinosensitive neurons. It was shown that iontophoretic application of the mediator promotes the establishment of the conditioned neuronal responses and leads to an increase in their magnitude as compared with reactions recorded in the absence of acetylcholine. It is hypothesized that the influence of acetylcholine on the conditioned reflex cellular process is accomplished through an effect on the state of excitability of the cortical neurons.