Electrodermal reflexes in the cat's paws elicited by natural stimulation of skin

Electrodermal reflexes recorded from the central pads on the hind-and forepaws were elicited by natural stimulation of skin in ketamine anaesthetised cats. 2. Stimuli which excite the Pacinian corpuscles in the paws (air jet stimuli applied to the paw, vibrational stimuli produced by tapping on the experimental frame) and the cutaneous nociceptors (mechanical and thermal noxious stimuli) elicit electrodermal reflexes. Stimuli exciting hair follicle receptors on the trunk or legs or slowly adapting receptors in the feet are without effect. 3. Electrodermal reflexes elicited by non-noxious mechanical stimulation of skin in the hindpaws have a clear-cut spatial organization. Air jet stimuli can only produce them from the distal hindpaws but not from any other skin area indicating that this reflex may be organized at the spinal level. Electrodermal reflexes on noxious stimulation too have some spatial organization.