Abstract
Pause neurons are located in the midline of the pontine reticular formation and thought to play important roles in regulation of quick eye movements. Our previous studies suggested that there is a strong vestibular input to pause neurons. The present study sought to explore the functional significance of this drive by examining pause neuron response to horizontal rotational stimulation when cats were anesthetized with halothane or went into natural light sleep. Anesthesia unmasks the vestibular responsiveness of pause neurons and pause neurons seem to receive inputs from both vestibular nuclei, either directly or via some other sites; or in addition, receive inputs from Type II and Type I vestibular nuclei from both sides.
