[Electric stimulation of the claustrum and conditioned reflex activity]

In chronic experiments on 8 dogs with electrodes implanted in the claustrum, direct electrical stimulation of the nucleus was accompanied by various behavioural responses (orienting, alimentary, muscle and emotional reactions) and changed the course of subsequent unconditioned and conditioned alimentary reflexes and differentiations to them. The character of behavioural reactions and of influences on reflexes depended on stimulation localization. Comparison of the results permits to assume functional differences between the dorsal and caudal claustrum, and within each of them -- functional differences between the central, lateral and upper nuclear areas. A conclusion is made on the structural heterogeneity and polyfunctionality of the claustrum.