Gustatory evoked potentials in man.
Despite numerous attempts, a satisfactory method of recording gustatory evoked potentials (GEPs) had not been found as yet. This study reports a new stimulation technique by which taste receptors can be stimulated selectively. Gaseous chemical stimuli of an approximately rectangular concentration course were presented to 5 subjects. Acetic acid at different concentrations was used as the stimulant. The EEG was recorded from standard 10/20 positions referred to A1. Taste receptors were activated in a sufficiently synchronous manner to evoke summated slow wave potentials in the central nervous system. Concordant with other cortical evoked potentials, the vertex was the site of the most pronounced deviations of GEPs. Potential amplitudes increased and latencies decreased with rising concentrations. After application of the local anaesthetic tetracaine hydrochloride (10 mg) to the tongue, GEPs and taste sensations were eliminated. In one patient ageusia coinciding with irradiation therapy (36 Gy) was proved by the attenuation of the GEPs. Also GEPs to sweet (chloroform), salty (ammonium chloride) and bitter (thujone) taste sensations were recorded for the first time.
Kobal
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D000085:Acetates / Q000494:pharmacology; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000328:Adult; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011930:Reaction Time; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*
D000085:Acetates; D019342:Acetic Acid