Dark adaptation as a factor in the sensitization of the beta response of the eyelid to light.

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Abstract
Two groups of Ss were used; one group (N = 33) was dark adapted and the other (N = 32) was subjected to a non-adaptation procedure. Eyelid responses of both groups were recorded under identieal conditions at four times during the expt. The light stimulus was presented and responses were recorded by means of a modified Dodge photochronograph. The results of the expt. may be summarized as follows: 1) The latencies of the eyelid responses formed the bimodal distribution which was reported in earlier studies. The first mode consisted of primary reflexes or [alpha]-responses to light, and the second mode consisted of [beta]-responses which ranged in latency from 120 to 240 msec. 2) The [beta]-responses of the Dark Adaptation group showed significantly greater frequency and magnitude than those of the Non-adaptated group. 3) There was significantly greater sensitization (frequency and magnitude increments) in the [beta]-responses of the Dark Adaptation group. 4) The trends of the [beta]-responses were not related to those of the [alpha]-responses. The [alpha]-responses showed typical reflex adaptation.

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