Response of Single Purkinje Neurons in the Flocculus of Albino Rabbits to Caloric Stimulation

Abstract

The response of Purkinje neurons of the flocculus to caloric stimulation was investigated in the Urethane-chlorarose anesthetized rabbit. Twenty-five of 37 flocculus neurons which responded to ipsilateral caloric stimulation showed an increase in firing response, while 12 neurons showed a decrease. Fifteen of 28 flocculus neurons which responded to contralateral caloric stimulation showed an increase, while the firing of 13 neurons was decreased. Forty-one percent of flocculus neurons responded to ipsilateral caloric stimulation, and 41% responded to caloric stimulation of both sides. Eighteen percent of flocculus neurons responded only to contralateral stimulation. The ipsilateral flocculus may thus be responsible for the major control of the primary vestibular signal flow in the cerebellum.