Locus ceruleus and neuronal activity of the reticular nucleus of the thalamus.

Reactions of neurons of the reticular nucleus of the thalamus and lateral geniculate body to stimulation of the locus ceruleus were studied on their unanesthetized, immobilized cats. It was found that preliminary brief rhythmic stimulation of the locus ceruleus causes inhibition of the activity of the majority of neurons of the reticular nucleus and facilitation of relay neurons of the lateral geniculate body. Such reactions are clearly exhibited during simultaneous recording (by means of two microelectrodes) of the neuronal activity of these brain structures.