Synaptic linkage in the vestibulo-ocular reflex pathway of rabbit

Summary Microelectrodes were inserted into IIIrd cranial nucleus of anaesthetized rabbit. IIIrd nucleus was identified by observing the field potentials evoked antidromically by stimulation of IIIrd cranial nerve. After stimulation of VIIIth nerve extracellular field potentials, spike potentials in secondary vestibular fibers, and postsynaptic potentials in IIIrd nucleus neurones were recorded. VIIIth nerve impulses either excite or inhibit IIIrd nucleus neurones postsynaptically with disynaptic latencies around 1.7 msec. By local stimulation of the medulla, it was found that the secondary vestibular impulses inhibiting IIIrd nucleus neurones are mediated by the superior nucleus. The excitatory impulses are relayed by the rostral half of the medial nucleus as well as a certain structure(s) relevant to the brachium conjunctivum. Preliminary pharmacological investigations on the inhibition of IIIrd nucleus neurones are reported.