title: Concentration-detection functions for eye irritation evoked by homologous n-alcohols and acetates approaching a cut-off point.
abstract: We measured the concentration-detection (i.e., psychometric) functions for the eye irritation evoked by three homologous n-alcohols (1-nonanol, 1-decanol and 1-undecanol) and two homologous acetates (nonyl and decyl acetate). A vapor delivery device based on a dynamic dilution of stimuli in nitrogen served to present various concentrations of each compound, including the undiluted vapor, to the subjects (n >or= 26). Delivered concentrations were quantified by gas chromatography. Detection probability (P) was assessed via a three-alternative, forced-choice procedure and quantified on a scale ranging from P = 0.0 (chance detection) to P = 1.0 (perfect detection). Flow rate to the eye equaled 2.5 l/min and time of exposure was 6 s. The functions for 1-undecanol and decyl acetate plateaued at P approximately 0.5 and P approximately 0.25, respectively, such that further increases in concentration failed to increase detection notably. Thus, both series reached a break point, or cut-off, in the detection of ocular irritation. The present outcome provides additional evidence that the cut-off does not rest on the low vapor concentration of the homolog but, more likely, on the homolog exceeding a critical molecular dimension(s), which prevents it from interacting effectively with the appropriate receptors.
authors.affiliation: Chemosensory Perception Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., Mail Code 0957, La Jolla, CA 92093-0957, USA. ecometto@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: J Enrique
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Cometto-Muñiz
authors.forename: William S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Moreno
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000438:Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005123:Eye / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000438:Alcohols; D005740:Gases; D007509:Irritants