Induction of olfactory receptor sensitivity in mice.
Repeated exposure to olfactory ligands (odorants) increased peripheral olfactory sensitivity in mice. For two unrelated ligands, androstenone and isovaleric acid, induction of olfactory sensitivity was odorant-specific and occurred only in inbred strains that initially had low sensitivity to the exposure odorant. These data demonstrate stimulus-induced plasticity in a sensory receptor cell, suggesting a form of stimulus-controlled gene expression. Induction with two unrelated odorants implies that olfactory induction is a general phenomenon that may occur in a large fraction of the human population.
Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3308.
H W
HW
Wang
C J
CJ
Wysocki
G H
GH
Gold
D000736:Androstenes; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D045782:Hemiterpenes; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009812:Odorants; D010421:Pentanoic Acids; D018035:Receptors, Odorant; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012903:Smell
D000736:Androstenes; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D045782:Hemiterpenes; D010421:Pentanoic Acids; D018035:Receptors, Odorant; C045648:odorant-binding protein; C000214:androst-16-en-3-one; C008216:isovaleric acid