Eye movements in paralyzed cats induced by drugs and sympathetic stimulation

Cat eye movements were measured in animals anesthetized with urethane and paralyzed with high doses of gallamine. The eyes were relatively stable under these conditions, but when bicuculline, strychnine or methoxamine (Vasoxyl) was then given intravenously, or when the animals were made hypoxic by respiring them with 5% O₂, displacements in eye position of 0.5-2.75° were observed. A cervical sympathectomy reduced the eye movements caused by bicuculline and strychnine, but did not prevent the movements caused by any of the agents tested. Electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve caused eye movements whose maximum amplitude was similar to those caused by drugs.