Abstract
Changes in smooth pursuit eye tracking of targets moving sinusoidally in horizontal and vertical planes before and after up to 10 mg oral methadone were measured electrooculographically in nontolerant nondependent humans. Methadone depressed the gain of horizontal tracking movements at most frequencies tested (0.2–1.6 Hz) without changing target-eye phase relationships. Lack of change in target-eye crosscorrelation functions after methadone and examination of individual records indicate that gain reduction was due to the eye failing to follow the target to the full extent of target excursion (±5° from eyes straight ahead view). Possible mechanisms and the practical consequences of methadone action on smooth pursuit were discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aho, A. V., Hopcroft, J. E., Ullman, J. D.: The design and analysis of computer algorithms. Massachusetts: Addison Wesley 1974
Armor, D. J., Couch, A. S.: Data-text primer. New York: Free Press 1972
Baker, R., Berthoz, A.: Control of gaze by brainstem neurons, developments in neuroscience. Amsterdam: North Holland Biomedical 1977
Collewijn, H.: Eye and head movements in freely moving rabbits. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 266, 471–498 (1977)
Drischel, H.: The frequency response of horizontal pursuit movements of the human eye and the influence of alcohol. Prog. Brain Res. 22, 161–174 (1968)
Evinger, C., Fuchs, A. F.: Saccadic, smooth pursuit, and optokinetic eye movements of the trained cat. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 285, 209–229 (1978)
Fender, D. H., Nye, P. W.: An investigation of the mechanisms of eye movement control. Kybernetica 1, 81–88 (1961)
Fuchs, A. F.: Saccadic and smooth eye movements in the monkey. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 191, 609–631 (1967)
Rashbass, C.: The relationship between saccadic and smooth tracking eye movements. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 159, 326–338 (1961)
Robinson, D. A.: The mechanics of human smooth pursuit eye movement. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 180, 569–591 (1965)
Rothenberg, S., Schottenfeld, S., Gross, K., Selkoe, D.: Specific oculomotor deficit after acute methadone. I. Saccadic eye movements. Psychopharmacology 67, 221–227 (1980)
Schottenfeld, S., Rothenberg, S.: An automated laboratory control system: Collection and analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data. Comput. Program. Biomed. 5, 296–306 (1976)
Stark, L., Vossius, G., Young, L. R.: Predictive control of eye tracking movements. IRE Trans. Hum. Fac. Electron. 3, 52–59 (1962)
Ward, R.: Perceptual effect of pursuit eye movements in the absence of a target. Nature 274, 158–159 (1978)
Wilkinson, I. M. S., Kime, R., Purnell, M.: Alcohol and human eye movement. Brain 97, 785–792 (1974)
Yasui, S., Young, L. R.: Perceived visual motion as effective stimulus to pursuit eye movement system. Science 190, 906–908 (1975)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rothenberg, S., Schottenfeld, S., Selkoe, D. et al. Specific oculomotor deficit after acute methadone. Psychopharmacology 67, 229–234 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00431261
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00431261