Flash evoked potentials from rat superior colliculus.

In view of reports that the superior colliculus evoked potential from rats is uniquely sensitive to toxic gases, the present study characterized normal flash evoked potentials from unanesthetized rats. The waveform was complex, with at least 5 positive and 5 negative peaks. The waveform originated in the SGS layer, and some components were stable over time if conditions of light intensity, stimulus frequency and dark adaptation were held constant. The greater complexity of the waveforms reported here compared to those described by others can be attributed to both an intense flash stimulus and unanesthetized preparation.