[Conditioned alimentary motor reflexes in cats following destruction of the scorpula]

Bilateral ablation of the putamen results in temporary disappearance of natural as well as artificial conditioned motor reflexes in cats. Further training is necessary for their reestablishment. Restored conditioned reflexes appear with a long latency. After partial bilateral ablation of the putamen, animals that have been trained not only to press a pedal, but also to make a choice between a right or left feeding tray, lose the latter ability. After the reestablishment of conditioned reflexes, the animal makes a correct choice of side only in 68--70% of cases. After total bilateral ablation of the putamen the animals lose artificial conditioned reflexes. The results suggest that the putamen has a close relation to the mechanisms of learning and memory.