Summary
Turning a rabbit on a turn-table for a few degrees induces compensatory eye-movements and results in an asymmetry of tonus in the optomotor system. If the visual input is discontinued (darkness), this asymmetry decays and the eyes drift back to the mid-position within 12–18 sec. The equalization of such asymmetries of tonus under normal conditions and under curare is described. Tonus asymmetries induced by tilting the animals about the longitudinal axis are neither compensated under visual, nor under non-visual, conditions. Recordings were taken from oculomotor neurons, and changes of their firing frequencies were used as a measure for eye movements.
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A preliminary report was given at the spring meeting of the “German Physiological Society” 1973.
Supported by the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”, SFB 33.
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Meyer, D.L., Bonnemann, D. & Schaefer, K.P. Equalization of asymmetries of tonus in the optomotor system of rabbits. Exp Brain Res 18, 505–511 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234134
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234134