Studies on Habituation of Vestibular Reflexes: IV. Effect of caloric stimulation in blindfolded cats

Abstract

The effect of vision upon habituation of nystagmus elicited by repetitive caloric stimulation was studied in cats. The animals were blindfolded or enclosed in a lightproof room. One trial consisting of 15 to 25 caloric tests in one ear with water at 20°C was used for inducing habituation.

The observations regarding acquisition, retention and transfer of habituation in darkness confirm the opinion that vision may have some effect upon development of the phenomenon, but certainly it is not a critical factor. The general pattern of the response decline is similar to that described in animals habituated in a lighted room.