Central adaptation models of the vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic systems

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of two models of the vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic systems was performed. Each model contains a filter element in the vestibular periphery to account for peripheral adaptation, and a filter element in the central vestibulo-optokinetic circuit to account for central adaptation. Both models account for 1 adaptation, i.e. a response decay to a constant angular acceleration input, in both peripheral vestibular afferent and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) responses and 2 the reversal phases of optokinetic after-nystagmus (OKAN) and the VOR and 3 oscillatory behavior such as periodic alternating nystagmus. The two models differ regarding the order of their VOR transfer function. Also, they predict different OKAN patterns following a prolonged optokinetic stimulus. These models have behavioral implications and suggest future experiments.