[Characteristics of residual neurons during retrograde degeneration in the lateral geniculate bodies of cats].

The daynamics of functional-structural characteristics of residual neurons was studied in the degenerated lateral geniculate body (LGB) in various periods of time (4-12 months) after neuronal isolation of the neocortex under which all geniculo-cortical connections were cut. Background and evoked spike activity in the degenerated geniculate body were studied as well as the number of persisting cells and their diameters. Neuronal receptive fields were found to undergo destruction along with the prolongation of postoperative period. A gradual diminution in the quantity of light sensitive cells was revealed. Background spike activity was predominantly of a simple type. Progressing decrease in cell number and cell diameters was observed under the morphological examination. Special features inherent in geniculate interneuronal relations are discussed.