EEG of striate cortex in blind monkeys: effects of eye movements and sleep.

After control studies, using electrodes permanently implanted in the central visual system, squirrel monkeys and macaques were in most instances blinded by acute glaucoma. This permitted subsequent observation of eye movements. Ocular nystagmus developed in all cases. Beginning immediately upon recovery from anesthesia, and persisting for at least 1 year, the EEG of the striate cortex was characterized by totally flat periods up to several seconds in duration which were ended abruptly by a sharp "spike" trailed in turn by a ragged high voltage, slow pattern for another second or two. The great majority of these "spikes" from the blind striate cortex occurred within 60-200 msec after a saccadic eye movement, made either in nystagmus or attempted fixation. They were not dependent upon proprioception from the extraocular muscles. It is suggested that they represent a "corollary discharge" for movement of the eyes. The blind striate cortex was judged to be hyperexcitable on the basis of these saccade-associated "spikes", not often observable in intact monkeys, and from the increase both in response evoked by electrical stimulation of optic radiation and amplitude of the EEG in sleep.