[Effect of increasing loading of short-term image memory on cat behavior]

The dependence of the short-term image memory on time intervals between separate tests was studied in cats with the method of delayed reactions. Shortening of the interval from 3-5 min to 30-40 sec caused in all experimental animals a disturbance of delayed reactions to complex and visual perception of food's location; the time of approaching the food increased, emotional stress hightened, intensive scratching of the body, licking the hair and mewing appeared. The latter reactions are considered as a manifestation of the brain mechanisms of autoregulation aimed at prevention of neurosis development. The above disturbances persisted throughout the observation period and even after the restoration of the initial intervals between the tests. This permits to assume a pathogenic effect of a prolonged use of delayed responses in conditions of deficit of time provided for this brain activity.