Retina viability in the Necturus.

Electroretinograms (ERG's) were recorded from the eyes of paralyzed normal and decapitated mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus). Fully dark-adapted responses to a range of stimulus intensities were compiled hourly under both conditions. Statistical analyses indicate no significant change in responsiveness in paralyzed normal animals during periods up to 6 hours. After decapitation, there was a significant decline of sensitivity to light during the first 3 hours. An oxygen-sensitive component similar to the c-wave was observed with DC recording but only in normal eyes. Anoxic mudpuppy eyes show an ERG decline with an average time constant of 1.5 hours.