NEUROPHYSIOLOGIC CORRELATES OF SENSORY PERCEPTION.
Abstract
The functional capabilities and mode of operation of several parts of the feedback neural circuit related to acoustic sensory processing were investigated in acute experiments carried out chiefly in cats and pigeons. The limited potency of efferent gating of acoustic input in pigeon has been confirmed and substantiated. Quantitative evidence was obtained on the functional differences of these systems in cat and pigeon. These differences were related to the peculiar features of the fine structural organization of the corresponding synapses in the inner ear. Electrical signs of activity in efferent olivocochlear system was obtained in congenital deaf albino cat. The effect of hypothermia on the operation of the feedback system was analysed in the cat and a temperature coefficient was determined for the dissipation kinetics. Neuropharmacological studies were also carried out. It was found a.o. that the alcaloid coniine antagonizes the efferent inhibitory process but in a way unlike that of the alcaloid strychnine. Somatosensory and acoustic evoked potentials were recorded from the scalp in normal man with a Mnemotron digital computer, and their features were correlated with psychophysical data obtained for the same stimuli, with particular reference to the signal detection capabilities of the human operator. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0617796
Entities
People
- John E. Desmedt