THE RESPONSE OF SINGLE OPTIC NERVE FIBERS OF THE VERTEBRATE EYE TO ILLUMINATION OF THE RETINA

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Abstract
Action potentials in single optic nerve fibers of cold-blooded vertebrate eyes (fish, amphibian[long dash]principally Rana catesbiana[long dash]and reptilian) were obtained from small intraocular bundles dissected off the anterior surface of the retina of excised, opened bulbs. Discharge of impulses differed in different fibers; 3 main response types were found: 1) maintained discharge lasting throughout illumination of the retina; 2) brief bursts of impulses in response only to change in illumination (increase or decrease); and 3) responses only to cessation of illumination. The higher the intensity, or the greater the intensity change, or, in the case of the "off" responses, the longer the duration of preceding illumination, the stronger were the responses (higher frequency, more impulses). Conditions of stimulation and adaptation, and certain external agents did not alter the essential character of response in any given fiber. Response in a given fiber could be obtained only upon illumination of a particular small region of the retina (receptive field of the fiber). The possible origin of the diversity among different fibers is discussed.

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