Differential stimulation of second messenger pathways by distinct classes of odorants.
Using ciliary preparations from rat olfactory epithelia, representative compounds of different odorant classes were assayed for the capability of stimulating the formation of second messengers in a subsecond time range. Fruity, floral and minty odors were found to induce a transient accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, whereas the herbaceous and putrid compounds under test caused a rise in inositol trisphosphate concentration.
Boekhoff
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University Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Department of Zoophysiology, Garbenstrasse 30, 7000 Stuttgart 70, F.R.G.
Breer
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