[Instrumentalization of movements induced by stimulation of motor cortex with food reinforcement in dogs]

Contrary to some literature data, the possibility to instrumentalize the movements (liftings) of the hind limb elicited by stimulation of the corresponding contralateral area of the motor cortex was shown. The instrumental reflex (spontaneous high lifting of the hind limb) was acquired after a number of uniform trials: cortical stimulation--movement--food. Food delivery was preceded by a click, which was presented during the hind limb lifting and served as a secondary reinforcement. The acquisition was rather prolonged (50-200 trials) and demanded some special conditions. The results count in favor of the viewpoint that the motor cortex can directly participate in establishing the instrumental conditioned connection (motivation--movement), and simple instrumental movements can be initiated through this connection.