PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Taste Perception”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

[The effect of a nasal spray consisting of a standardized mixture of citrus limon (succus) and an aqueous extract of Cydonia oblongata (fructus) on nasal mucociliary clearance].

In a three-way-crossover study in 18 healthy male and female subjects aged from 20 to 49 years the influence of a 1% and 3% solution of a standardized composition of Citrus limon, succus, and extract from Cydonia oblonga, fructus (Gencydo) on the intranasal mucociliar clearance was investigated after multiple administration. The pH of the solution was about pH 2.3-3.2. The dose regimen consisted of 20 puffs (0.13 ml per puff) in each nostril within 24 h, which was by factor 3-10 higher than the usual therapeutic dosage of 2-6 puffs per nostril and 24 h. The mucociliar transport time was measured by a modified saccharin test, where 1 microliter of a 3-molar aqueous sodium saccharinate solution was applicated at the inferior nasal turbinate 1 cm from its anterior end using a glass capillary microliter pipet. This test was performed at screening examination, before each administration period, directly after each 24 h treatment period and 24 h after the end of each treatment. The time of initial taste perception could be defined with high precision by the volunteer since it appeared very spontaneously. Neither after intranasal administration of the 1% and 3% Citrus/Cydonia solution nor after placebo solution a prolongation of the perception time was found. It could be concluded that there is no measurable influence of the test products on the intranasal ciliar function.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Capsaicin-like anti-obese activities of evodiamine from fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa, a vanilloid receptor agonist.

Evodiamine, a major alkaloidal principle of Evodia fruits (Evodia rutaecarpa, Rutaceae), showed vanilloid receptor agonistic activities comparable to capsaicin. The Chinese literature refers to Evodia fruits as a "hot nature" herb. In spite of the similarities in the actions of evodiamine and capsaicin in vitro, evodiamine has no perceptible taste, including a peppery hot taste. Therefore, the effectiveness of evodiamine and the extract of Evodia fruits in preventing obesity on male C3H mice, or male SD rats were examined. When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.03% of the diet and fed to mice for 12 days, the perirenal fat weight became significantly lower than in the control group. The epididymal fat mass was also decreased in the evodiamine diet group. When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.02% in the form of ethanol extract of Evodia fruits to the high-fat diet and fed to rats for 21 days, the body weight, the perirenal fat weight, epididymal fat weight, the levels of serum free fatty acid, total lipids in the liver, triglyceride in the liver, and cholesterol level in the liver were significantly reduced as compared with the control diet group. Furthermore, both lipolytic activity in the perirenal fat tissue and specific GDP binding in brown adipose tissue mitochondria, as the biological index of enhanced heat production, were significantly increased in the evodiamine fed rats. Fasting mice subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine showed decreased core body temperature by 1-2 degrees C. This hypothermic effect was prevented by the pretreatment of intraperitoneally administered 10 mg/kg capsazepine, a vanilloid receptor antagonist. On the other hand, food-sated mice subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine showed unchanged core body temperature and increased tail skin temperature by more than 5 degrees C, suggesting the increased energy expenditure by enhanced heat dissipation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that a novel non-pungent vanilloid receptor agonist, evodiamine, mimics the characteristic anti-obese effects induced by capsaicin. Evodiamine would induce heat loss and heat production at the same time and dissipate food energy, preventing the accumulation of perivisceral fat and the body weight increase.

Adipose Tissue↗

Zinc deficiency in man: its origins and effects.

The occurrence of zinc deficiency in man remained unsuspected until the 1960s. Since then, however, our understanding of the clinical importance of human zinc deficiency has grown rapidly. Zinc depletion has been demonstrated or suggested to be responsible for a variety of clinical features, ranging from minor aberrations of normal growth patterns and subtle impairments of taste perception to life-threatening disease states. The latter have been observed most frequently as a result of an inherited defect in zinc absorption and from feeding intravenously without adding zinc to the infusates. Notable clinical features of severe zinc deficiency states include a florid acro-orificial rash, behavioural changes, poor appetite, severe disturbance of normal growth and development, impaired reproductive performance, and frequent infections associated with abnormalities of the immune system. In general, the biochemical correlates of these clinical features remain poorly defined. While the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of severe zinc deficiency states is quite straightforward, existing techniques are inadequate for the detection of sub-optimal zinc nutrition. This difficulty presents a major challenge as there is evidence that mild or moderate zinc deficiency states are quite common in certain population groups. Though there is reason for particular concern about the zinc status of some socially deprived groups, inadequate zinc intake is also a potential problem in more affluent population groups. The occurrence of zinc deficiency is frequently associated with dietary factors that have an unfavourable effect on zinc absorption, for example phytate, and with a variety of special circumstances including premature delivery. There is evidence that the absorption of zinc from human milk is especially favourable. There is an outstanding need for further research to achieve a clearer understanding of the origins, incidence and effects of human zinc deficiency.

Acrodermatitis↗

The genetics of tea and coffee drinking and preference for source of caffeine in a large community sample of Australian twins.

AIMS: To investigate the genetic and environmental influences on tea consumption and their commonalities with coffee consumption; and to further examine the genetic and environmental aetiology of preference for tea/coffee. DESIGN: A classical twin design was used in which the similarity of identical and non-identical twins is compared, enabling estimates of genetic, common environmental and unique environmental influence on the trait. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: An Australian population-based sample of 1796 identical (i.e. monozygotic) and 2013 non-identical (i.e. dizygotic) twin pairs aged 16-87 years was studied, roughly three-fifths of whom were female. The sample represented approximately 70% of those approached for study participation. MEASUREMENTS: As part of a Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire, respondents were asked how many cups of each tea and coffee they consumed per day. Additional measures of 'total tea and coffee consumption' and 'preference for coffee' were calculated. FINDINGS: Age was positively associated with tea consumption but negatively associated with coffee preference; women consumed more beverages than men, but showed a lower preference for coffee. An inverse relation between tea and coffee consumption--larger in females (-0.41) than males (-0.34)--was supported. This association was mediated entirely by the unique environment in males, and by both the unique environment (68.3%) and genes (31.7%) in females. Tea and coffee drinking were shown to have similar heritabilities (0.46) in males, but tea consumption was influenced by common environmental factors whereas coffee consumption was not. Coffee preference was shown to be influenced by genes (0.42) and the unique environment (0.58). CONCLUSIONS: As the patterns of genetic and environmental variation were shown to differ for tea and coffee consumption it may be more informative to retain them as separate measures of caffeine intake in future studies of stimulant use and taste perception.

Adolescent↗

Functional genomics uncovers three glucosyltransferases involved in the synthesis of the major sweet glucosides of Stevia rebaudiana.

Stevia rebaudiana leaves accumulate a mixture of at least eight different steviol glycosides. The pattern of glycosylation heavily influences the taste perception of these intensely sweet compounds. The majority of the glycosides are formed by four glucosylation reactions that start with steviol and end with rebaudioside A. The steps involve the addition of glucose to the C-13 hydroxyl of steviol, the transfer of glucose to the C-2' and C-3' of the 13-O-glucose and the addition of glucose to the hydroxyl of the C-4 carboxyl group. We used our collection of ESTs, an UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT)-specific electronic probe and key word searches to identify candidate genes resident in our collection. Fifty-four expressed sequence tags (ESTs) belonging to 17 clusters were found using this procedure. We isolated full length cDNAs for 12 of the UGTs, cloned them into an expression vector, and produced recombinant enzymes in Escherichia coli. An in vitro glucosyltransferase activity enzyme assay was conducted using quercetin, kaempferol, steviol, steviolmonoside, steviolbioside, and stevioside as sugar acceptors, and (14)C-UDP-glucose as the donor. Thin layer chromatography was used to separate the products and three of the recombinant enzymes produced labelled products that co-migrated with known standards. HPLC and LC-ES/MS were then used to further define those reaction products. We determined that steviol UGTs behave in a regioselective manner and propose a modified pathway for the synthesis of rebaudioside A from steviol.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Functional domains within the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (Deg/ENaC) superfamily of ion channels.

Application of recombinant DNA technology and electrophysiology to the study of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels has resulted in an enormous increase in the understanding of the structure-function relationships of these channels. Moreover, this knowledge has permitted the elucidation of the physiological roles of these ion channels in cellular processes as diverse as transepithelial salt and water movement, taste perception, volume regulation, nociception, neuronal function, mechanosensation, and even defaecation. Although members of this ever-growing superfamily of ion channels (the Deg/ENaC superfamily) share little amino acid identity, they are all organized similarly, namely, two short N- and C-termini, two short membrane-spanning segments, and a very large extracellular loop domain. In this brief Topical Review, we discuss the structural features of each domain of this Deg/ENaC superfamily and, using ENaC as a model, show how each domain relates to overall channel function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Corpuscular bodies in the palate of the rat. 2. Innervation and central projection.

The source of innervation of the corpuscular bodies in the palate and the central projections of the afferent fibres of the entire palate was studied in rats by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) and with substance P (SP) immunohistochemistry. WGA-HRP injected into the incisal papilla was taken up by the nerve fibres that terminated in the corpuscles. Retrogradely labelled neurons were observed in the trigeminal ganglion as well as anterogradely labelled terminals in the dorsolateral part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and in the lateral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract. No labelling could be found in the geniculate ganglion, the facial nerve and the hypoglossal nucleus. Following WGA-HRP injection in the intermolar area and in the soft palate, labelling was only restricted to the trigeminal ganglion. The lamina propria of the entire palate and the corpuscle-enriched area of the incisal papilla and the soft palate were richly innervated by SP-containing fibres. Numerous SP-containing fibres were also observed in the nerve plexus at the base of the corpuscle. In addition, SP-positive neurons were identified in the trigeminal ganglion and SP-labelled terminals in the sensory trigeminal nuclear complex and in the solitary tract nucleus. On the basis of our morphological observations we conclude that the palatal corpuscular bodies are involved in taste perception which is of trigeminal origin.

Animals↗

Submandibular gland excision: short- and long-term complications.

During a 10-year period, 159 benign submandibular gland excisions were performed in 157 patients. 86 of the patients were available for follow-up evaluation. Both short- and long-term complications were listed. Neurapraxia to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve was frequent after the operation, but restoration of function was seen in 92.3%. Scar problems, sensation changes, reduced salivation and taste perception were noticed by the patients in several cases, but rarely caused dissatisfaction. 18.2% of the patients in the salivary stone group had residual stones in Wharton's duct after the operation. The indication for removal of both glands should be carefully considered because of development of xerostomia.

Adolescent↗

The functions of saliva.

Nature's demands on salivary glands are extensive and diverse and range from the reptilian need for a venomous drop to incapacitate its prey to the 100 quarts that ruminants require to digest a day's grazing. Other species depend on saliva not for survival, but for improving the quality of life, using the fluid for functions varying from grooming and cleansing to nest-building. Humans can manage without saliva; its loss is not life-threatening in any immediate sense, but it results in a variety of difficulties and miseries. Oral digestion per se is only of marginal importance in humans, but saliva is important in preparing food for mastication, for swallowing, and for normal taste perception. Without saliva, mealtimes are difficult, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. The complex mix of salivary constituents provides an effective set of systems for lubricating and protecting the soft and hard tissues. Protection of soft tissues is afforded against desiccation, penetration, ulceration, and potential carcinogens by mucin and anti-proteases. Saliva can encourage soft tissue repair by reducing clotting time and accelerating wound contraction. A major protective function results from the salivary role in maintenance of the ecological balance in the oral cavity via: (1) debridement/lavage; (2) aggregation and reduced adherence by both immunological and non-immunological means; and (3) direct antibacterial activity. Saliva also possesses anti-fungal and anti-viral systems. Saliva is effective in maintaining pH in the oral cavity, contributes to the regulation of plaque pH, and helps neutralize reflux acids in the esophagus. Salivary maintenance of tooth integrity is dependent on: (1) mechanical cleansing and carbohydrate clearance; (2) post-eruptive maturation of enamel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Protein analysis of human von Ebner saliva and a method for its collection from the foliate papillae.

The lingual serous glands of von Ebner are located close to the foliate and circumvallate papillae. Saliva secreted by these glands provides the immediate environment of the taste buds, and it has been hypothesized that it modulates taste perception. The purpose of this study was to develop a technique for collection of unstimulated and stimulated saliva from human von Ebner glands. Saliva was collected under resting conditions and after application of various gustatory stimuli (sweet, sour, salt, and bitter) by insertion of periostrips into the folds of the foliate papillae of healthy human volunteers. Stimulated saliva was also collected in glass microcapillaries or micropipettes. The flow-rates of unstimulated von Ebner saliva were 2.3 +/- 0.6 (S.E.) microL/min and 4.5 +/- 1.2 (S.E.) microL/min with 1% citric acid stimulation. The protein content was 2.5 +/- 0.5 (S.E.) mg/mL. The SDS gel electrophoretic profile of von Ebner saliva revealed two protein bands of Mr 18,000 that were identified on Western blots as von Ebner gland (VEG) proteins. Although lingual lipase activity was detected at very low levels by enzyme assay, this protein was not detected on Western blots. This collection technique should prove useful for analysis of specific functions associated with secretion from von Ebner glands.

Age Factors↗

Immunolocalisation of the D. melanogaster Nramp homologue Malvolio to gut and Malpighian tubules provides evidence that Malvolio and Nramp2 are orthologous.

Nramp (Slc11a1) genes in mammals are associated with the transport of iron and other divalent cations; Nramp1 in macrophages involved in the innate immune response against intracellular pathogens, and Nramp2 with duodenal iron uptake and the transferrin-transferrin-receptor pathway of iron assimilation. The Drosophila melanogaster Nramp-related gene is known as Malvolio. The localisation of Malvolio protein was inferred from the enhancer trap line initially used to isolate Malvolio in a screen for mutants with defects in taste perception. Here we describe the generation of a Malvolio-reactive polyclonal antibody and apply it to evaluate Malvolio localisation during stages of D. melanogaster development, and compare the results with the localisation of the enhancer trap line identified with beta-galactosidase. All immunolocalisation studies have been confirmed to be specific with Malvolio-blocking peptides. Our results demonstrated expression within Malpighian tubules, testis, brain, the amnioserosa of embryos, the larval and adult alimentary canal. Expression within the gut was of significant interest, as mammalian Nramp2 in the gut plays a primary role in the acquisition of dietary iron. We confirm expression within the central nervous system and in cells of the haematopoietic system. By immunohistochemistry we showed that expression within cells was either punctuate, diffuse cytoplasmic or plasma membrane associated, or both. The staining within the gut indicates a degree of conservation of components for iron acquisition between flies and mammals, suggesting that a comparable mechanism has been retained during evolution.

Animals↗

Amino acid sequence analysis of bitter peptides from a soybean proglycinin subunit synthesized in Escherichia coli.

The cDNA encoding A1aB1b proglycinin was expressed in E. coli, for the efficient isolation of a single peptide responsible for the bitterness. The 55-kD proglycinin was highly purified, hydrolyzed, and further purified through a series of chromatographic steps to yield fractions with the major bitter peptides. The most bitter-tasting fractions contained peptides with average molecular weights lower than 1,700 Da. An analysis of the amino acid sequences indicated that many small bitter peptides (< 1,000 Da) are composed of uncharged polar amino acids as well as hydrophobic amino acids, with a charged residue often being present at either end. This suggests the involvement of a certain structural requirement in taste perception.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjuncts to single-stage dental implants: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The growing popularity of non-submerged dental implants in recent years requires a greater emphasis on microbial plaque control. Chlorhexidine (CHX), the most commonly used mouthwash in implant surgery, is sometimes associated with tooth staining and alteration in taste perception. Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AmF/SnF2) mouthwash has been shown to have anti-infective properties; however, it has not been tested as an adjunct anti-infective means in non-submerged dental implants. The purpose of this trial was to compare AmF/SnF2 and CHX mouthwashes as adjuncts to single-stage dental implants. METHODS: Thirty-three patients aged 34 to 79 (mean 54.30 +/- 8.69 SD) requiring dental implants were accepted into the study. Following comprehensive periodontal therapy patients received one to three non-submerged dental implants (maxilla: 17; mandible: 45; anterior: 3, posterior: 59). After surgery patients were given analgesics and antibiotics as well as 2,400 ml of coded mouthwash bottles previously randomized between the two above mentioned formulations. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 3 and 12 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Twelve-month survival rates were 100% and 92.9% for the AmF/SnF2 and CHX groups, respectively. Compliance was slightly higher in the AmF/SnF2 group (84.35% +/- 3.39% versus 78.15% +/- 4.59% SE) but statistically similar. There was no statistically significant difference between the AmF/SnF2 and CHX groups in staining index at 3 months (1.519 +/- 0.22 versus 1.457 +/- 0.24 SE) and patient subjective evaluation of the mouthwashes. Radiographic bone loss was 0.79 +/- 0.23 and 1 +/- 0.13 SE at 3 months and 1.06 +/- 0.13 and 1.27 +/- 0.25 at 12 months for the CHX and AmF/SnF2 groups, respectively; the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.388 and 0.504, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both CHX and AmF/SnF2 mouthwashes can be used post-surgically after one-stage implant surgery.

Adult↗

Azelastine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential.

Azelastine is an antiallergic agent which demonstrates histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity and also inhibits histamine release from mast cells following antigen and non-antigen stimuli. Azelastine antagonises histamine- and leukotriene-induced bronchospasm in animal studies and reduces airway responsiveness to inhaled antigen or distilled water, and exercise challenge. In comparative studies, orally administered azelastine in doses up to 4 mg/day consistently relieved symptoms in patients with seasonal or perennial rhinitis - comparable to inhaled sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn sodium) 80 mg/day, oral chlorpheniramine (chlorphenamine) and oral terfenadine 120 mg/day. In addition, azelastine administered as an intranasal spray was as effective as oral terfenadine 120 mg/day and intranasal budesonide 0.4 mg/day in alleviating symptoms of rhinitis. Azelastine is also a potent antiasthmatic agent which produces significant and long lasting bronchodilation in patients with bronchial asthma. The drug is superior to placebo and comparable to oral ketotifen 2 mg/day and sustained release theophylline 700 mg/day when administered as a twice daily oral 4 mg dose. Azelastine is generally well tolerated: the most common adverse effects are altered taste perception and drowsiness. Adverse effects are mild and transient and result in withdrawal of treatment in less than 2% of patients. In a comparative study oral azelastine 2 or 4 mg/day produced no more sedation than terfenadine 120 mg/day. Thus, barring unexpected findings with wider clinical use, azelastine offers an effective and well tolerated choice of treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma, which may be particularly beneficial in patients in whom inhaled drug treatment is contraindicated.

Animals↗

Late sequelae of iatrogenic damage to chorda tympani nerve.

Four and a half years following middle ear surgery involving damage to the chorda tympani nerve we conducted a follow-up study in 10 out of 14 patients in whom we had previously investigated gustatory and submandibular gland function, pre- and immediately postoperatively. Following transection of the chorda tympani nerve (5 patients) the secretory volume of the affected gland has risen again but is still lower than that of the healthy gland. The secretory volume of the latter is increased, possibly by compensatory hypertrophy. The still existing dysgeusia, not noticed by the patients, is occasionally slightly improved. After stretching of the chorda tympani nerve (5 patients) the function of the submandibular gland and taste perception on the involved side of the tongue are now nearly fully restored.

Chorda Tympani Nerve↗

[Bilateral ageusia after left insular and opercular ischemic stroke].

Gustatory disorders after ischemic stroke is an uncommon event, generally occurring unilaterally, ipsilateral or contralateral to the stroke depending on the site of the lesion. We report a patient who developed bilateral agueusia after a unilateral insular stroke. This 70-year-old right-handed man developed a sudden onset left opercular syndrome in March 1999 with right hemiphyosethesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left insular and opercular stroke. Anarthria, swallowing and sensorial disorders regressed in a few weeks, but taste disturbances led to a 6 kg weight loss. After six months, the symptoms disappeared. To our knowledge, 32 cases of taste disorders after stroke have been reported. For most of the cases, the agueusia was unilateral. Our case illustrated the predominance of the left cortical hemisphere for taste perception in the right-handed subject.

Aged↗

[Ion channels that are sensitive to the extracellular concentration of protons: their structure, function, pharmacology and pathophysiology].

AIM: Acid sensing ion channels (ASIC) members of the ENaC degenerine channel family, have been shown to participate in various sensorial pathways including nociception, also they have been shown to participate in synaptic transmission, learning and memory processes and in the physiopathology of the ischemic stroke. DEVELOPMENT: The proton concentration in the organism is strictly regulated by distinct buffer systems. Drastic changes of pH are generated only by pathological conditions as is the ischemia; however, some physiological processes may produce local changes in the extracellular pH. Recently, a new family of proton receptors known as ASIC has been cloned. These are ionic channels inactivated at physiological pH (7.4) and activated with a pH fall (increase in H+ concentration). ASICs are permeable to sodium ions and in a lesser degree to calcium ions, activation of these channels leads to an increase in cell excitability. The ASICs are distributed widely in the central and peripheral nervous system, and in specialized epithelia. In the past few years they have become a focus of interest due to its role in nociception, taste perception, long term potentation and the physiopathology of ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In this review we address the most relevant molecular, physiological and pharmacological aspects of the ASICs, its participation in some pathological process, and the perspectives of basic and clinic investigation in this arising research field.

Acid Sensing Ion Channels↗

Lingual nerve injury following the use of an oropharyngeal airway under endotracheal general anesthesia.

We report a patient who presented for elective myomectomy. Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were achieved smoothly without unduly force. An oropharyngeal airway was inserted after endotracheal intubation for biting and was left in the oral cavity until the end of surgery. Two days after surgery, the patient complained of numbness on the right side of her tongue. Neurological examination revealed an area of hypesthesia about 1 cm in diameter on the right side of the tongue tip. The motor function, taste perception, and speech articulation were all intact. A right lingual nerve lesion with terminal branch involvement was diagnosed. The patient was then reassured and discharged home. At the 4-week follow-up, spontaneous resolution occurred. After reviewing the history, we speculated that the mechanism of nerve injury in this case was a direct compression of the tongue tip by the oropharyngeal airway. This is the first report of lingual nerve injury caused by improper placement of the oropharyngeal airway. We recommend careful manipulation in the use of the oropharyngeal airway and vigilant surveillance being undertaken when an oropharyngeal airway is left in place for a prolonged period.

Adult↗