[The comparative action of relanium and oxytocin on higher nervous activity in lower monkeys]

Effects of relanium and oxytocin on higher nervous activity was studied in four rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and two baboons (Papio hamadryas). During observation of the animals in enclosure tranquilizing effect was seen only after relanium administration. Under the same conditions oxytocin practically did not change the general behaviour pattern of monkeys. However, steady behavioural transformations were observed under the conditions of competitive food-procuring behaviour and during the operant goal-directed reaction. Decreasing aggressiveness of dominants oxytocin in contrast to relanium had no negative effect upon their general motor activity and sensory perception. Differences in effects of the tranquilizer and the peptide were seen also at the unit activity level of the neurons. The first drug lowered the unit activity level and the degree of the functional connections in neuronal populations in a number of cortical structures. Administration of the second one led to selective shifts of the unit activity mainly in the frontal cortex of the monkeys.