Responses of Cortical Vestibular Center Produced by Stimulation of Vestibular nuclei and visual Association area in the cat

Abstract

(1) The cortical projection of the vestibular nuclei (LVN, MVN and IVN) was investigated by the evoked potential and unit discharge analyses in the cat anesthetized with alpha-chloralose and/or immobilized with gallamine triethiodide. (2) This projection field coincided well with that of the vestibular nerves, being principally contralateral by LVN stimulation but nearly symmetrical by either MVN or [VN stimulation. (3) Of 11 units responsive to vestibuiar nuclei stimulation, 6 reacted to stimulation of the visual association cortex (anterior part of the Clare-Bishop area). The response pattern of the cortical vestibular units by C-B stimulation was a sequence of excitation, inhibition and rebound. (4) Interaction of visual information with the cortical vestibular neurons was discussed.