[Interaction of the somatosensory and auditory systems in awake cats at the level of the cortical projection zones].

A comparative study of somato-acoustic interactions has been brought out by EP method in the auditory area A1 several projection areas of S1 and in S2 of non-immobilized cats with chronically implanted electrodes. Single cutaneous stimulation of the contralateral fore-leg with an intensity equal to 1.5 to 3 thresholds of EP appearance elicits in S1 and A1 three types of EPs differing in latencies and number of components. Preliminary rhythmic somatic stimulation has a predominantly facilitating effect on EPs appearing in response to tonal stimuli in the areas A1, S2, S1. Optimal conditions for facilitatory influences involve intervals of 250 to 500 msec, frequencies of somatic stimulation of 3 to 10 c/s and its intensity which does not elicit animal's motor reaction.