Modification of the Macaque's Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex after Ablation of the Cerebellar Vermis

Abstract

In macaque, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) as evaluated by the time constant of nystagmus in a modified Bárány spinning test, shows a regular pattern of change with time after ablation of the vermis cerebelli. One day after ablation the time constant is in the low normal range; it then increases, and after one week assumes values in the high normal range. While the time constant is high, the VOR is resistant to modification by repeated testing, but may be modified by unidirectional optokinetic nystagmus and by experience with reversing spectacles. These results suggest that the vermis of the cerebellum plays no crucial role in modifications of the VOR by visual inputs, but is involved when the VOR is modified by repeated vestibular experience.