[Activity of reticulospinal neurons during the scratch reflex].

The activity of reticulo-spinal (RS) neurons was recorded in thalamic and decerebrate cats during actual and "fictition" scratching. Most RS neurons were silent during scratching, but some exhibitied a distinct modulation of their discharge related to the rhythmical activity of motoneurons. They were excited during the flexor phase and inhibited during the extensor phase of the cycle. The pattern of modulation was identical both in actual and in "fictitions" scratching.