Convergence of afferent impulses from individual semicircular canals of pontine reticular units.

The effect of afferent impulses on single pontine RF units was recorded by means of tungsten microelectrodes in 22 curarized guinea pigs followed thermic stimulation of individual semicircular canals. The labyrinthine stimulation consisted of short-lasting circumscribed heating (45 degrees C) of the canals through a silver thermode. Unitary response to labyrinthine stimulation was characterized by excitation and inhibition of rest discharge rate. Out of 86 units, 66 received bilateral labyrinthine influences responding in greatest number (20 units) to four semicircular canals. Only two units were unaffected. No significant difference in RF responses was noticed between concordant and antagonistic canals. Reticular formation units showed great degree of facilitation of response and convergence of impulses from the single six semicircular canals.