SENSORY PROPERTIES OF NEURONS IN THE MESENCEPHALIC RETICULAR FORMATION

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Neurons in the mesencephalic reticular formation of cats anesthetized with chloralose or immobilized with gallamine are responsive to natural stimuli (e.g. to taps on the skin, movement of objects in the visual field, etc). Polysensory convergence is prominent and receptive fields have several sizes and locations. These neurons also exhibit low capacity to respond to repetitive stimulation. The maximum frequencies followed are under 10 c.p.s. and usually around 1 c.p.s. During prolonged stimulation responsiveness decreases and may disappear. This "attenuation" may be specific to the stimulus utilized. Such properties reveal an organization very different to that of the principal sensory pathways.