[Participation of the amygdala in the formation of heterogeneous conditioned reflexes].

Characteristics were studied in the same dogs of the formation of conditioned reflexes to signals reinforced by biologically different stimuli--food, acid and current and of differentiations to them, after amygdala ablation. Amygdalectomy leads to the disturbance of the conditioning process, independently of the biological significance of the reinforcement. However, the deepest and the most prolonged disturbances occur in the system of alimentary behaviour and in elaboration of more complicated instrumental defensive reflexes in which current avoidance requires not only lifting of the paw but also retaining at a definite height for a certain time. Amygdala ablation considerably impedes the process of differentiation of positive and inhibitory stimuli leading to a disturbance of correct evaluation of signal significance and to inadequate behavioural reactions.