STUDIES ON AMYGDALOID NUCLEUS OF CAT

Abstract

Using the Clarke-Horsley stereotaxic apparatus, electrolytic stimulations and ablations of the amygdaloid nuclei were carried out in 120 cats. Many stimulations were done in unanesthetized animals. Autonomic, somatic, and behavioral responses were observed. These included pupillary dilatation, salivation, increased gastric acidity and peristalsis, micturition, defecation, ovulation, increase in uterine contractions, initiation of labor in pregnant cats, erection, ejaculation; facial, jaw and tongue movements; undirected rage, fear and alert attention. Bilateral ablations did not lead to ill-tempered or hypersexual behavior in any animal. The amygdala has anatomical and functional relations with the hypothalamus and acts probably as a coordinator for patterns of behavioral activity.