Focal Autonomic Representation in the Cortex and its Relation to Sham Rage

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Abstract
In the cat, cortico-autonomic representation lies chiefly in the frontal lobes. Bilateral removal of this area is followed by all the symptoms of sham rage which appear in preparations which are totally decorticate. Removal of the orbital half of the frontal lobe bilaterally causes panting, increase in heart rate and increased production of adrenalin as shown by reactions of the denervated iris and nictitating membrane. Such animals may die within the first hrs. following operation as a result of respiratory and cardiac disturbances. Removal of the lateral and mesial surfaces of the frontal lobes bilaterally causes protrusion of the claws, piloerection, increased irritability and some increased production of adrenalin as shown by sympathectomized iris and nictitating membrane. None of the other manifestations of sham rage appear in these latter animals. In the cat, removal of the cortical representation of the autonomic system results in signs of excessive function of the autonomic system which are chiefly sympathetic. In the monkey, there are similar signs of release of autonomic function following the same procedure, but no sham rage results. The diminution of sham rage phenomena which occurs in chronic decorticate and frontal lobectomized preparations is a manifestation of homeostasis which is probably brought about by adjustment of the entire remaining autonomic system.

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