Positional Nystagmus Elicited by Alcohol, Glycerin, or Heavy Water in the Rabbit

ABSTRACT

In unanesthetized rabbits, alcohol, glyserin, or heavy water was injected intravenously and nystagmic reaction elicited by passive alteration of body position was recorded by means of nystagmography, and the specific direction of the nystagmus was also observed. The following results were obtained 1. After Injection of alcohol (2.5~3.5ml/kg), right sloe down or lelf side down position elicited nystagmus in both eyes (FAN I) Right sloe down position elicited supero-dorsal nystagmus in the ipsilateral eye anti Infero-central nystagmus In the contralateral eye Left side down position produced nystagmus towards reversed directions 2. Returning to neutral position from one sloe down also elicited nystagmus towards the same direction. 3 From 5~6 hours after Injection of alcohol, the direction of the positional nystagmus was reversed, manifesting phase II of the PAN (PANII) 4. Injection of glycerin (2.0~3.0ml/kg) or heavy water (2.0~25ml/kg) also elicited positional nystagmus. The direction of the nystagmus was the same as and opposite to that Induced by alcohol Injection