title: Response properties of Y group neurons to crossed otolith inputs in the cat.
abstract: The response properties of extracellularly recorded Y group neurons on the lesioned side were examined in decerebrate cats after acute hemilabyrinthectomy, with the use of constant velocity off-vertical axis rotations (OVAR) to stimulate the remaining intact otolith receptors. During rotation in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, Y group neurons displayed a spectrum of position-dependent bidirectional response sensitivities, ranging from one- to two-dimensional. Some two-dimensional neurons even exhibited unidirectional responses with change in OVAR velocity. These findings indicate that Y group neurons have the capacity to code spatiotemporal signals arising from the contralateral otolith. The best response orientations of one-dimensional and two-dimensional neurons were found predominantly along the antero-posterior direction, thus providing a spatial framework for the otolithic reflexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, P.R. China. yschan@hkucc.hku.uk
authors.forename: Y S
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: D K Y
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Shum
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D003655:Decerebrate State; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology