Reflex control of the retractor bulbi muscle in the cat.

The effects of vestibular and trigeminal stimulation on reflex responses of each slip of the retractor bulbi muscle were tested by recording the electromyogram. 1. In "encéphale isolé" cat, phasic electrical stimulation of the horizontal canal induced no response in the RB slips. Repetitive vestibular stimulation did not produce nystagmus in the RB muscle while strong muscular discharges were observed in the nystagmus lateral rectus muscle. 2. In anaesthetized cats, three trigeminal inputs elicited strong reflex responses in each slip of the RB muscle. Electrical stimulation of the vibrissae or the infra-orbital nerve evoked a two component reflex response (latencies: 5 ms +/- 0.5 and 14 ms +/- 2). Electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve elicited a single component reflex response (latency: 6 ms +/- 0.5). Electrical stimulation of the long ciliary nerves evoked a complex response with four components (latencies: 7.5 ms +/- 0.5, 10 ms +/- 2, 15 ms +/- 2,20 ms +/- 2). 3. Pentobarbital and morphine produced lasting depression of the reflex responses of the RB muscle. The depressive effect of morphine was reversed by naloxone.