Microelectrode studies of unit discharges in the sensorimotor cortex

Abstract

Lesions were placed in the brain stems of monkeys to produce an experimental postural tremor. Clinical and electromyographic studies have shown this tremor to be very similar to that seen in patients with paralysis agitans. Microelectrode recordings of unit activity were obtained from the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the tremor and from the ipsilateral motor cortex. The results reported suggest the direct involvement of the contralateral motor cortex in the production of the tremor movements.