[Temperature distribution on the surface of the rat brain during direct electric stimulation]

Dynamics of spatial temperature distribution over the dorsal surface of the cerebral cortex was studied through the skull with the thermovision technique on immobilized white rats. Direct cortical stimulation revealed local thermoresponses (up to +0.2 degrees C) under electrodes, in the symmetrical point in the opposite hemisphere as well as in some other cortical zones. The response latency was within the limit of 160 ms, peak latency--2-5 s and relaxation time 2-3 min. Nembutal caused depression of thermoresponses, increase in their thresholds, limitation in size as well as slowing down of the development and prolongation in time.