[Canal-otolithic interaction under conditions of otolithic asymmetry].

Intact pigeons were exposed to horizontal rotations so that the horizontal canal afferents were activated either separately or simultaneously with macular afferents. When the pigeons, head was off the axis of rotation, the radial acceleration (0.5 g) acted either in sagittal or in frontal plane. In presence of otolith asymmetry, the radial acceleration modified the rotation-induced nystagmus depending on the direction: the duration of the rightward nystagmus was increased whereas the duration of the leftward nystagmus was decreased, and vice versa. These changes occurred irrespective of the source of the otolith asymmetries. Theoretical significance of this data is discussed and possible mechanisms of the canal-otolith interaction are considered.