Protective inhibition and workability during extreme human activity

Abstract

This review summarizes information on the protective inhibition of human behavior in extreme conditions. It has been shown that cortical cells have a limit of working capacity, upon reaching which protective inhibition develops, which protects the body from excessive exhaustion. The basis of the protective inhibition is the activity of corticospinal neuronal mechanisms. Emotional arousal affects the speed of development of the protective inhibition. The neural networks of the cortex, subcortical formations (basal nuclei, limbic system), and the structures of the brain stem are the anatomical substrate for the formation of transcendental states. One of the neuromodulators providing the transcendental mental states is dopamine. Cortexin and Mildronate increase brain efficiency in extreme conditions. Stimulation of the central nervous system reduces central fatigue and, consequently, increases working capacity. Hypoxia of the brain, on the contrary, reduces the effectiveness of physical exercises in extreme activities. In the disadaptive state, the inhibitory processes prevail in the central nervous system and the fatigue and the protective inhibition occur more quickly.

Keywords

• neurobiology
• extreme conditions
• protective inhibition
• working capacity
• fatigue
• disadaptation