Sentence:  On the other hand , the temporary reduction in hypothalamic excitability through the injection of a barbiturate into the posterior hypothalamus <WSD>causes</WSD> a lessening in frequency and amplitude of cortical strychnine spikes until the hypothalamic excitability is restored . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally