Neurochemical mechanisms of the participation of individual neurons in the processes of anticipation and evaluation of the results of behavioral activity.

The neurochemical mechanisms of the participation of cerebral cortical neurons of cats were investigated in this study at various stages of the food-procuring behavior during their performance of an instrumental motor act and in instances of the unexpected appearance of a portion of milk in the food dispenser. The technique of the microiontophoretic application of agents to the cortical neurons was used in this study. It was demonstrated that the neurons exhibit varied chemical sensitivity to different agents in the period of expectation of reinforcement and at the moment of the appearance of the portion of milk. The dynamics of the impulse activity depended on the level of activity of the protein-synthesizing apparatus of the neurons.