[The hypothalamic mechanisms of the regulation of neocortical activity in representative predators (cats)].

On complex behavioural model (preference reaction), studies have been made of the effect of stimulation of two different hypothalamic nuclei, i.e. ventromedial and mammillary ones, on the conditioned reflex activity in cats. It was shown that stimulation of the ventromedial nucleus (in contrast to that of the mammillary one) exerts more complex differentiated effect on the higher nervous activity. Similar effect may be induced by subcutaneous administration of beta-endorphin. The data obtained are discussed in relation to the development of two different mechanisms of hypothalamic influence on neocortical activity.