Effects of running water on brainstem lateral line responses in trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to sinusoidal wave stimuli.

We investigated how single units in the medial octavolateralis nucleus of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, respond to a 50-Hz vibrating sphere in still and running water. Four types of units were distinguished. Type MI units ( N=16) were flow-sensitive; their ongoing discharge rates either increased or decreased in running water, and as a consequence, responses of these units to the vibrating sphere were masked if the fish was exposed to water flow. Type MII units ( N=7) were not flow-sensitive; their ongoing discharge rates were comparable in still and running water, and thus their responses to the vibrating sphere were not masked. Type MIII units ( N=7) were also not flow-sensitive; nevertheless, their responses to the vibrating sphere were masked in running water. Type MIV units ( N=14) were flow-sensitive, but their responses to the vibrating sphere were not masked. Our data confirm previous findings in the goldfish, Carassius auratus, indicating that the organization of the peripheral lateral line is reflected to a large degree in the medial octavolateralis nucleus. We compare data from goldfish and trout and discuss differences with respect to lateral line morphology, lifestyle and habitat of these species.