Electrophysiological influences of the parietal cortex and dorso‐medial thalamic nucleus on the prefrontal cortex of the cat

Abstract

Lesion studies have shown that the functional integrity of prefrontal and posterior parietal cortex is necessary for complex behavioural performance. Recordings were made from 137 prefrontal cells in awake cats. Parietal cortex stimulation affected fifty‐four cells (39.5%); thirty‐four (63%) increased and twenty (37%) decreased their discharge frequency. Thalamic stimulation affected forty‐seven cells; twenty‐eight increased their discharge and nineteen decreased it. These responses suggest firstly that the organization between parietal and prefrontal cortex is similar to that in monkeys, and secondly that prefrontal cortex has an integrative role. © 1992 The Physiological Society