ANTIDROMIC STIMULATION OF OPTIC NERVE AND PHOTOSENSITIVITY OF CAT RETINA

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Abstract
Potentials set up in ganglion cells of the retina by antidromic stimulation of the optic nerve were recorded by means of microelectrodes in decerebrate cats. The potentials consisted of a diphasic variation, first positive, then negative, which was preceded by a small deflection. The change of photo-sensitivity of the retina following an antidromic volley was studied. The excitability was lowered to 40-60% of normal, and the phase of depressed excitability lasted about 100, 170, and 250 msec. for red, green, and blue test lights, respectively. It was shown that retinal induction caused by monochromatic light was extinguished by an alternating current of proper frequency applied to the eyebulb. The alternating current had, however, no effect upon retinal induction when applied to the optic nerve. This fact rules out the possibility that retinal induction could be localized in the ganglion cells of the retina.