Integrated excitatory response to microinjections of L-glutamic acid into the reticular system of the toad

Microinjections of L-glutamic acid into the mesencephalic tegmentum and diencephalon of anesthetized toads evoked an excitatory response consisting of electrocephalographic and electromyographic activation, and a rise in arterial blood pressure. Electromyographic responses were reduced or absent in diencephalically injected toads. Except for this case, all other components of the response always appeared together and presented the same time course. L-glutamic acid was able to activate a group of neurons at different levels of the reticular system involved in an integrated response of ergotropic nature.