THE RELATION OF LABYRINTHECTOMY TO SENSITIZATION OF THE NICTITATING MEMBRANE IN THE CAT

Abstract
Unilateral destruction of the labyrinth in cats produced homolateral protrusion of the nictitating membrane and constriction of the pupil. After labyrinthectomy the homolateral nictitating membrane was sensitized to injected adrenalin. The degree of the sensitization was comparable with that caused by removal of the superior cervical ganglion. Maximum sensitization was attained the 3d day after operation. Miosis and protrusion of the nictitating membrane were not present after section of the 8th cranial nerve. Division of the 8th cranial nerve produced no sensitization of the nictitating membrane. The ocular phenomena which follow labyrinthectomy in the cat are the result of the incidental interruption of the sympathetic fibers running through the middle ear.

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