[Molecular mechanisms of the involvement of the pyramidal neurons of the sensorimotor cortex in the organization of the feeding behavior of rabbits].

Experiments performed on freely moving rabbits have shown that pyramidal neurons which had direct connections with lateral hypothalamus were activated during realization of the feeding behaviour. Pyramidal neurons which had no connection with lateral hypothalamus were inhibited. Microiontophoretic application of the protein synthesis inhibitor to pyramidal neurons caused their disability to respond to ascending activatory influences from the lateral hypothalamus. Administration of pentagastrin during inhibition of the protein synthesis restored the ability of pyramidal neurons to participate in hypothalamic feeding reactions. It is suggested that synthesis and release of the gastrin-like peptide into the perineuronal space is necessary for involvement of sensomotor cortex pyramidal neurons in organization of the feeding behaviour.