Neurochemical cellular mechanisms of the assessment of the results of behavioral activity.

Neurons of the visual area of the cerebral cortex of cats were investigated at various stages of alimentary instrumental behavioral activity. The impulse activity of the neurons was recorded both during standard food-procuring behavior and during the performance of an instrumental reaction without reinforcement. Biologically active substances were applied microiontophoretically to the neurons in the experiment. Varying chemical sensitivity of individual neurons to neuromediators was established in both experimental situations, as was the significance of the mechanisms of protein synthesis for these processes.