Endogenous peripheral neuromodulators of the mammalian taste bud.
The sensitivity of the mammalian taste system displays a degree of plasticity based on short-term nutritional requirements. Deficiency in a particular substance may lead to a perceived increase in palatability of this substance, providing an additional drive to redress this nutritional imbalance through modification of intake. This alteration occurs not only in the brain but also, before any higher level processing has occurred, in the taste buds themselves. A brief review of recent advances is offered.
Dando
Robin
R
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA. r.dando@miami.edu
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*; D013650:Taste Buds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D020738:Leptin; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin