POLAROGRAPHIC STUDIES OF CAT'S AUDITORY CORTEX

Abstract

The effects of oxygen deprivation on the negative and positive components of the evoked cortical potential, as recorded from the auditory cortex of the cat, were studied with a polarographic technique. Oxygen deprivation was produced by hypoxia, asphyxia, and hypnotic and convulsant drugs. The cortex in its normal state was found to be nearly oxygen deficient. Slight decreases in oxygen availability resulted in an immediate diminution in the size of the negative component. The positive component was less sensitive to oxygen lack. Increasing oxygen availability above normal did not affect the size or shape of the evoked response. The overall results afford further proof that separate generating mechanisms exist for the two components.