RIGHTING AND OTHER POSTURAL ACTIVITY IN LOW-DECEREBRATE AND IN SPINAL CATS AFTER D-AMPHETAMINE

Abstract

Righting and other postural activity was observed in low-decerebrate cats and in spinal cats after the intraperit. injn. of d-amphetamine sulfate, usually in a dose of 10 mg./ kg. In the decerebrate cat, the righting activity consisted of elevation of the head and shoulders from the surface upon which the cat was lying and of movements of the fore- and hindlegs, rump, and tail which resulted in incomplete righting of the body. The tail rotated in a manner suitable to promote righting. In spinal cats similar righting movements were observed in the hindlegs, rump, and tail. Asymmetry of body contacts is essential for righting activity in the decerebrate cat under the influence of d-amphetamine. In spinal cats after d-amphetamine, righting activity does not appear unless there is asymmetry of body contacts plus additional tactile stimulation of the lateral aspect of the hindknee which is next to the table. The data indicate that, in addition to the previously known centers in the mid-brain, there are centers for righting caudad to the mid-brain, i.e., in the pons, medulla, and even the spinal cord.