[Effect of electric stimulation of the caudal reticular nucleus of the pons on foci of epileptic activity in the cerebral cortex].

It was shown in experiments on cats that electrostimulation (ES) of the nucleus caudalis reticularis pontis under the destruction of the central grey matter suppressed discharges in a single epileptic focus, created with application of strychnine to the brain cortex and did not suppress the epileptic activity in the complex of foci, formed under the influence of a determinant focus after local application of strychnine to different zones of the neocortex. After increasing the number of foci in the complex the resistance of the latter to suppressive effects of ES of the nucleus caudalis increases too. The complex reduction owing to liquidation of its foci (local application of nembutal) facilitates the suppressive effects of ES of the nucleus caudalis. Under prolonged inhibition of the epileptic activity in the focus, the coagulation of the nucleus caudalis leads after its long-term ES to the recovery of the epileptic activity. The evidence obtained is discussed from the standpoint of the properties of the pathological system (epileptic complex) and the role of the "antisystem" in suppression of its activity.