Visual modulation of neuronal activity within the rat vestibular nuclei.

Sixty-two of 95 units within the vestibular nuclei of 24 hooded, Long-Evans rats were found to respond to both linear accelerations on a parallel swing and to linear movements of the visual field. The addition of visual clues during periods of linear accelerations produced a phase shift in the majority of the units towards the maximal acceleration of the animal, and an increase in the peak activity during the periods of maximal acceleration. Conflicting visual-vestibular stimulation resulted in reduced directional sensitivity and lower rates of firing in visually sensitive units.