Role of the cerebral cortex in temperature discrimination in the rat.

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Abstract
An apparatus was constructed in which rats could be trained to discriminate temp. differences of 30[degree]C , 20[degree]C , and 10[degree]C. The expt. began with 20 rats. After blinding, the animals were trained to discriminate temp. differences of 30[degree]C and 20[degree]C. On the basis of these initial scores they were divided into 2 groups, both of which were then subjected to a sham operation and allowed a 14-day recuperation period. Following this they were retrained on the same temp. differences to criterion, as before. One group was then subjected to ablation of the frontaloccipital areas of the cerebral cortex, while the other group was subjected to ablation of somatic areas I and II. After a 14-day recovery period both groups were tested on temp. discriminations of 30[degree]C , 20[degree]C , and 10[degree]C. Fourteen rats survived the expt No impairment of temp. discrimination occurred following the bilateral removal of either the frontal-occipital cortex or somatic areas I and II.