[Activity of lateral reticular nucleus neurons during scratching]

The activity of neurones of the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN) was recorded in thalamic cats immobilized with Flaxedil during "fictitious scratching", that is during rhythmical activity of motoneurones typical of normal scratching. The LRN neurones exhibited a distinct modulation of their discharge related to the rhythmical activity of motoneurones in spite of the absence of the rhythmical afferent inflow. The pattern of modulation was identical both in normal and in "fictitious" scratching. Therefore, the spino-reticulo-cerebellar path transmits information about the activity of the spinal motor centres.