Effects of claustrum stimulation on spontaneous bioelectrical activity of motor cortex neurons in the cat.

Electrophysiologic interactions between claustrum and motor cortex neurons were investigated in the cat. A total of 136 neurons was recorded from the motor cortex in area 4 (90 cells) and in area 6 (46 cells). Ninety-eight of the total neurons were identified as pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs). Stimulation of the claustrum by single shocks or by trains of stimuli imposed on the tested PTNs a pure long-lasting inhibition, or a long-lasting inhibition preceded by a short early activation, or no effect. No functional localization of the effects of claustrum activation were found within the motor areas. The observed results are consistent with the hypothesis that the claustrum may play a role in movement organization.