Extreme vestibulo‐ocular adaptation induced by prolonged optical reversal of vision

• DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.1976.sp011330
• Publication Date: 2014-12-19T09:01:24Z
• Authors: A. Gonshor; G. Melvill Jones
• Keywords: Vestibulo–ocular reflex; Electrooculography

1. These experiments investigated plastic changes in the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) of human subjects consequent to long‐term optical reversal vision during free head movement. Horizontal vision‐reversal was produced by head‐mounted dove prisms. Four normal adults were continuously exposed these conditions 2, 6, 7 and 27 days respectively. 2. A sinusoidal rotational stimulus, previously shown be nonhabituating (1/6 Hz; 60°/sec amplitude), used test VOR dark at frequent intervals both period an equal after return vision. D.c. electro‐oculography (EOG) record eye movement, taking care avoid EOG gain due light/dark adaptation retina. 3. All showed substantial reduction (eye velocity/head velocity) first 2 vision‐reversal. The 6‐, 7‐ 27‐day further which reached a low plateau about 25% value end one week. At this time attenuation some records so marked as defy extraction meaningful signal. 4. After removal prisms recovered along course approximated that original adaptive attenuation. 5. In experiment large phase developed second week generally progressed lagging sense, reach 130° lag relative beginning third Accompanying considerable restoration from 25 50% value. adapted conditions, approximate functional reflex, then maintained steady, even overnight, until on 28th day. 6. Thereafter, whereas returned near‐normal hr, occupied 2‐3 weeks. 7. There highly systematic relation between instantaneous phase, periods widely fluctuating change associated with transition steady state another. During such there tendency for directional preponderance occur VOR. 8. observed specific plane vision‐reversal, no being sagittal plane. 9. , sense they always goal‐directed towards requirements retinal image stabilization They extent extensive retained remodelling goal. 10. It is inferred all are compatible simple neural network employing known projections via brainstem cerebellar pathways, providing reversed visual tracking task can produce modulation efficacy pathway exhibits dynamic characteristic producing moderate lead signal 1/6 Hz.