抄録
1. The excitability changes of pre- and postgeniculate neurons werestudied during reversible retinal inactivation achieved by application of highintraocular pressure (IOP) in the cat with midpontine pretrigeminal transections and in the dark-adapted state.
2. Pregeniculate neurons spontaneously discharged at a relatively highrate (mean, 38.0/sec). The discharge stopped completely upon application ofhigh IOP. The postgeniculate neurons discharged at a low rate (mean, 19.9/sec) compared with pregeniculate neurons. The postgeniculate neurons did notcompletely stop their spontaneous activity on high IOP, but continued firingat a reduced rate.
3. Retinal blockade obtained by application of a high IOP gave rise toan increase in the responsiveness of postgeniculate neurons during the timewhen a decrease in responsiveness of pregeniculate neurons was present.
4. Possible mechanisms responsible for their changes of responsivenessin the pre-and postgeniculate neurons during application of high IOP arediscussed.
