Polarization Processes in the Nervous System and Behavior

Abstract

The effect of visual cortex polarization with direct current on differentiation of lighting has been studied in rats by the conventional reflex method. The cathode and anode were shown to produce an opposite effect on distinguishing visual stimuli. The anode polarization of the visual cortex improved differentiation of lighting and the cathode one, on the contrary, deteriorated it. The results obtained are considered in light of the role of polarization processes in organization of adaptive behavior. In particular, the idea is advanced that the membrane potential level is a measure of importance of information for the cells. It is a basis for the neurophysiological mechanism for motivational-emotional behavior considered in the paper.

Keywords:

• Emotions
• motivation
• excitability
• neuron polarization