Miniature end plate currents recorded from Pagothenia borchgrevinki muscle at different temperatures and measurements of the function of the oculomotor (eye movement response) control system

MEPCs from 9 preparations of Pagothenia borchgrevinki extraocular muscle (inferior oblique) were recorded over a temperature range of 0°C to 20°C. The frequency response and speed of action of eye muscles in Antarctic fish was measured to assess the function of the oculomotor control system in fishes adapted to extreme cold.

Eye movement was monitored with an optoelectronic movement detector. For the eye movement experiment, the brain was removed and the spinal cord destroyed in an otherwise intact fish. The sixth cranial nerve was stimulated by constant frequency pulse trains and movement of the eye was monitored.