AIMTo observe the characteristics of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) of guinea pigs during eccentric sinusoidal rotation in different frequencies and radius, and compare them with that during axis rotation, obtain the parameters which reflect otolith functions, and provide experimental evidence for the establishment of otolith function test.

METHODSGuinea pigs were placed in axis of rotation and in an heading out eccentric position apart from rotation axis of 330 mm, 660 mm and 990 mm respectively, their VOR were recorded and compared under stimulus of sinusoidal rotations in the frequencies of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 Hz with the peak velocity of 60 degrees/s in each position.

RESULTSBoth frequency and eccentric radius had significant effects on the VOR gain, it increased with the increase of frequencies and radius. The largest increase of the gain occurred at the frequencies of 0.3 and 0.4Hz, and no significant changes were observed above these frequencies.

CONCLUSIONEnhancement ratio (ER) of VOR gain can reflect the extent of its increase with radius, and can be used as an index of otolith function, the stimulus profile of eccentric rotation at frequency of 0.4Hz and radius of 990mm is recommended as the stimulus profile for the otolith function test.