Visual and oculomotor function in optic chiasma-sectioned rabbits

Russell, I. Steele ; Hof, M. W. ; Steen, J. ; Collewijn, H.
Springer
Published 1987
ISSN:
1432-1106
Keywords:
Visual discrimination ; Optic chiasma ; Ipsilateral optic fibre system ; Optokinetic nystagmus ; Vestibulo-ocular reflex
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Anatomical and physiological findings indicate that the crossed optic fibres of the rabbit have a crucial role in binocular vision. In order to directly examine the visual functions of the uncrossed fibre system, a technique of sectioning the optic chiasma midsagitally was developed. Both normal and chiasma-sectioned rabbits were tested on a variety of visual discrimination tasks as well as such oculomotor control functions as the optokinetic and vestibulo-ocular reflexes. Following transection of all contralateral retinal projections, rabbits were found to retain the same visual capacity for detection of intensity and orientation differences as before the operation. There was, however, a complete loss of optokinetic reflexes and a 50% reduction of the vestibulo-ocular reflex both in the light and in the dark.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL: