[Neurochemical mechanisms of the involvement of sensorimotor cortex neurons in food and orienting-exploratory behavior].

Reactions of individual neurons to electrical stimulation of motivational areas of the lateral hypothalamus were studied in the somatosensory cortex of alert rabbits during micro. iontophoretic application of acetylcholine, norepinephrine or cycloheximide. The former two drugs altered equally the neuron reactions both on weak (inducing an orienting response) and strong stimulation (causing feeding behaviour). The latter drug also affected the neuron reactions. The feeding and orienting responses seem to be actualized through a specific peptide synthesis in the somatosensory cortex's neurons altering their sensitivity to neurotransmitters.