[Interaction of cortical neurons displaying background activity during elaboration of a conditioned defense reflex].

The character of statistic connection between the background spike activity of neurones in the visual and sensorimotor cortical areas was studied in calm awake rabbits and in the course of defensive conditioning to light. The obtained cross-correlation functions showed that in the process of establishment of temporary connection, there was a decline in the correlation level between discharges of neighbouring neurones in both areas and a rise in correlation between discharges of remote neurones, one of which was located in the visual area and the other--in the sensorimotor area.