Prepubescent children may have specific deficits in olfactory sensitivity.
In three age groups (mean ages 9, 15, and 20 years, ns = 58, 58, 112) olfactory sensitivity to 5 odorants was assessed. The prepubescent children showed no loss in sensitivity to the odor of amyl acetate but were inferior in detection of the other 4 odorants, in particular, in detection of 2 musk odors. The results suggest odorant-specific receptor development during puberty. However, it is emphasized that several factors should be better controlled before it can be concluded that changes with age can be used as a model to increase knowledge of olfactory function.
Koelega
H S
HS
Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012737:Sex Factors; D012903:Smell