Responses of the frog gustatory receptors to various odorants.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Alcohols↗
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Results for “gustatory receptor”
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.
Genomic Identification and Comparative Characterization of Chemosensory Genes in Two Walnut Pests.
Conogethes punctiferalis (generalist) and Atrijuglans aristata (specialist) are important pests of walnut fruits. Chemosensory genes play critical roles in host location and mating, making them promising candidates for pest management research. However, genome-wide identification of these gene families has not yet been performed for either species, and cross-species comparisons are often confounded by differences in annotation quality and methodology. Here, we employed a unified pipeline for genome annotation and gene family identification to systematically characterize the odorant receptor (OR), gustatory receptor (GR), odorant-binding protein (OBP), and chemosensory protein (CSP) genes of both species and further analyzed their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, and phylogeny. Genome annotation identified 13,236 and 14,083 protein-coding genes in C. punctiferalis and A. aristata, respectively, with BUSCO completeness of 94.6% and 94.5%. We identified 121 candidate chemosensory genes in C. punctiferalis (46 ORs, 23 GRs, 32 OBPs, and 20 CSPs) and 137 in A. aristata (65 ORs, 26 GRs, 28 OBPs, and 18 CSPs). Notably, A. aristata possesses more OR genes (65) than C. punctiferalis (46). Both species possess a single conserved ORco, with three and four pheromone receptor (PR) genes in C. punctiferalis and A. aristata, respectively. Chemosensory genes were either dispersed or tandemly arrayed on chromosomes, with each family clustering into conserved functional branches. This study provides a reliable foundation for comparative chemosensory evolution studies and a catalog of candidate genes for future functional validation.
Atrijuglans aristata↗
Antennal transcriptome analysis of chemosensory proteins in the raspberry weevil, Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a polyphagous pest of economic importance in southern Chile, the chemical ecology of which remains poorly characterized. Across insect species, chemosensory proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), mediate the detection of chemical cues involved in host selection, reproduction, and other ecologically relevant behaviors. In this study, the antennal transcriptome of adult A. superciliosus was sequenced and analyzed using a de novo RNA-seq approach. Three independent biological replicates per sex were used for RNA-seq, and the same number of independent biological replicates was used for RT-qPCR validation; sequencing yielded 147,409,936 high-quality reads after quality filtering. A total of 112 candidate chemosensory genes were identified, comprising 43 ORs, 34 OBPs, 10 CSPs, 18 IRs, 5 GRs, and 2 SNMPs. Phylogenetic analyses assigned these candidate proteins to established clades, providing a comparative framework for functional inference for ORs and OBPs. Sex- and tissue-biased expression analyses revealed that several ORs, including AsupOR4, AsupOR19, and AsupOBP13, exhibit antennal enrichment and sex-specific expression patterns. Notably, AsupOR19 and AsupOBP13 displayed strong female-biased expression. In addition, transcripts of selected ORs and OBPs were detected in non-antennal tissues, such as the rostrum and legs, suggesting potential functional versatility beyond canonical olfaction. Together, these findings represent the first molecular identification of the chemosensory repertoire of A. superciliosus. This study establishes a foundation for reverse chemical ecology approaches aimed at identifying behaviorally active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toward environmentally sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.
Animals↗
Role of membrane-bound calcium in taste reception of the frog.
1. The frog gustatory responses to various salt stimuli and distilled water were greatly enhanced after the tongue was treated with an alkaline solution containing salts of low concentration. The incubation of the alkali-treated tongue in solution of pH 6.0 containing Ca2+ restored reversibly the behaviour of the gustatory receptor to that before the treatment, while Mg2+ had no ability to do this. 2. The responses to salt stimuli and distilled water were greatly decreased after the tongue was incubated in solutions of pH 5.3 containing Ca2+. 3. On piece of tongue incubated in a solution of pH 5.3 containing 45Ca released a larger amount of 45Ca by the alkali treatment than another piece incubated in pH 7.0. It was concluded that removal of Ca2+ from the gustatory receptor membrane by the alkali treatment led to enhancement of the responses and binding of extra Ca2+ to the membrane by the incubation in acidic CaCl2 solution led to suppression of the responses. We emphasized that a conformational change of the receptor domains plays an important role in the transduction process of the gustatory response.
Action Potentials↗
Functional characterization of carbon dioxide receptors in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.
BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important chemosensory cue involved in host plant recognition and environmental navigation in moths. In insects, CO2 detection is generally mediated by specific gustatory receptors (GRs). This study aimed to identify and functionally characterize CO2-related GRs in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. RESULTS: Three candidate GR genes, designated SfruGR1, SfruGR2, and SfruGR3, were identified through genomic and transcriptomic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these receptors clustered with conserved insect CO2 GRs and formed three distinct monophyletic clades. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that SfruGR3 was expressed at significantly higher levels than SfruGR1 and SfruGR2 across multiple adult tissues and larval stages. Two-electrode voltage clamp recordings in Xenopus oocytes showed that only the co-expression of SfruGR1 + SfruGR3 among seven receptor combinations produced significant responses to bicarbonate ions (HCO₃-), which were used to represent dissolved CO2. Electrolabialpalpography assays demonstrated that FAW labial palps responded to CO2 in a concentration-dependent manner, with 1% CO2 eliciting the strongest electrophysiological response, especially in females. In Y-tube olfactometer assays, males were significantly attracted to 1% CO2, whereas females showed only a weak behavioral response. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that SfruGR1 and SfruGR3 are key components of CO2 perception in FAW. This study provides new insight into the molecular and behavioral mechanisms of CO2 sensing in this destructive agricultural pest. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spodoptera frugiperda↗
Gustatory responses of eel palatine receptors to amino acids and carboxylic acids.
The gustatory receptors of the eel palate were found to be extremely sensitive to amino acids and carboxylic acids. The results obtained are as follows: (a) 11 amino acids which are among naturally occurring amino acids elicited responses in the palatine nerve, but 9 amino acids did not elicit a response even at a high concentration. The effect of D-amino acids was always much less than that of their corresponding L-isomers. There was no appreciable difference in the effectiveness of an alpha-amino acid (alpha-alanine) and beta-amino acid (beta-alanine). (b) The threshold concentrations of the most potent amino acids (arginine, glycine) were between 10(-8) and 10(-9) M. A linear relation between the magnitude of the response and log stimulus concentration held for a wide concentration range for all the amino acids examined. (c) The palatine receptors responded sensitively to various carboxylic acid solutions whose pH was adjusted to neutral. The threshold concentrations varied between 10(-4) and 10(-7) M. The magnitude of the response at 10(-2) M increased with an increase of carbon chain length. (d) The extent of cross-adaptation was examined with various combinations of amino acids. A variety of the response patterns showing complete cross-adaptation, no cross-adaptation, or synergetic interaction was observed. The synergetic interaction was also observed when one amino acid below its threshold concentration was added to the other amino acid below its threshold concentration was added to the other amino acid. No cross-adaptation was observed between amino acids and fatty acids. (e) The treatment of the palate with papain led to loss of the responses to arginine, glycine, and histidine without affecting those to proline and acetic acid. The treatment with pronase E eliminated selectively the response to proline. The possibility that the eel gustatory receptors are responsible for sensing food at a distance was discussed.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Fine structure of the antennal receptors of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L.
Sensilla on the antenna of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius, were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscope. Those which display a tubular body in the dendrite ending are presumed to have a mechanoreceptor function (bristles of type A, flat plate of type B). Bristles of type A1 contain additional dendrites which terminate at the tip of the bristle and may be gustatory receptors. Sensilla with pores in the hair wall are supposed to have an offactory, humidity and/or temperature receptor function (pegs and hairs of types C, D, E). Hairs of type E contain receptors for the alarm pheromones of the bed bug. Special attention has been paid to the pore structures and epicuticular layers of these sensilla. Possible differences in stimulus conduction are discussed between (i) sensilla with a simple wall and pores with pore tubules (types D and E) and (ii) the ribbed pegs (type C), which have a complex wall structure and spoke channels. The immersed cones of type F have a peculiar innervation, which has not been described previously. Two dendrites are held closely together by a third flat dendrite which wraps around them in the region of the outer segment. Coupling structures were found between the central dendrites, and between these and the third enveloping dendrite. Possible functions of this unique innervation are discussed. The dendrites innervating type D are grouped in three to eight bundles by multiple sheaths. The term thecogen cell is introduced to denote the innermost of the three sheath cells of a sensillum (the outer being the tormogen and the trichogen cell) which builds the dendrite sheath during ontogeny. Comparative morphometry revealed type-specific differences in the length and diameter of the dendrites. Some axons were found to lack any glial or perineurial sheath. Microorganisms were observed in the antennal tissue of several animals.
Animals↗
The influence of carrier of gustatory stimulation on the cephalic phase of canine pancreatic secretion.
The pancreatic secretory responses of dogs to various taste stimuli were examined in this study. Additionally, taste preferences were examined in 24-hour exposure tests to taste stimulus solutions as well as in short exposure tests to taste solutions mixed with commercial stock diet. The liquid and solid food preference tests produced quite different results. In dogs with cannulated gastric and duodenal fistulas, gustatory receptors were stimulated orally with 100 ml of taste stimulus solution (water 0.05 M monosodium glutamate (MSG), 0.05 M citric acid or 0.3 M sucrose) mixed with 25 g of a carrier (commercial stock diet, purified diet or cellulose). Pancreatic secretory responses to the taste stimuli varied with the type of carrier. Stock diet carrier was a better stimulant than the purified diet for both protein output and volume flow. Taste stimuli with a cellulose carrier did not produce any pancreatic response at all. The differences in responses to the different carriers were greater than the differences between taste stimuli when the same carrier was used. This experiment indicates that gustatory stimulation does influence the function of pancreatic secretion depending on the carriers used.
Animals↗
Ionic stimulation of the olfactory epithelium in the bullfrog and the carp.
The stimulating effects of mono- and divalent cations and anions were studied in the olfactory epithelia of the bullfrog and the carp. The rhythmic waves induced by these ions were recorded in the olfactory bulb. 1. Many mono- and divalent cations and anions showed stimulating actions in the bullfrog and the carp. 2. Microelectrode studies disclosed that the olfactory receptor cells respond to different ions differently. 3. When many ions were applied with various concentrations, responses appeared with long latencies while the concentration was very low (the "delayed responses"). The responses nearly disappeared at the intermediate concentrations, but then responses with short latencies appeared at the higher concentrations (the "initial responses"). Thus, many ions showed dual responses in the bullfrog, although some exceptional cases were found (choline+, Tl+, La3+, Cd2+). 4. Cd2+ and other heavy metal ions showed depressive actions upon the responses induced by other ions in the olfactory epithelium. 5. Tetrodotoxin of even 10 (-5) g/ml was found ineffective in depressing the rhythmic waves induced by ions. 6. Chemoreceptive activities of the olfactory epithelia of the bullfrog and the carp were compared with the activities of the gustatory receptors. They were also compared with the other chemoreceptors of the fish, namely the palatal organ, external chemoreceptors over the snout region and the lateral-line organ. Chemical senses of the fish were discussed.
Animals↗
Response properties of macaque monkey chorda tympani fibers.
Many of the chorda tympani fibers of crab-eating monkeys respond to more than one of the four basic stimuli (NaCl, sucrose, HCl, and quinine hydrochloride) as well as cooling or warming of the tongue. Fibers could be classified into four categories depending on their best sensitivity to any one of the four basic stimuli. Sucrose-best and quinine-best fibers are rather specifically sensitive to sucrose and quinine, respectively, while salt-best and acid-best fibers respond relatively well to HCl and NaCl, respectively. Saccharin, dulcin, and Pb acetate produce a good response in sucrose-best fibers, but quinine-best and salt-best fibers also respond to saccharin. Highly significant positive correlations exist between amounts of responses to sucrose and those to saccharin, dulcin, and Pb acetate, indicating that these substances produce in the monkey a taste quality similar to that produced by sucrose. Compared with chroda tympani fibers of rats, hamsters, and squirrel monkeys, macaque monkey taste fibers are more narrowly tuned to one of the four basic taste stimuli and more highly developed in sensitivity to various sweet-tasting substances. Also LiCl and NaCl are more effective stimuli for gustatory receptors in macaque monkeys than NH4Cl and KCl. This contrasts with a higher sensitivity to KCl and NH4Cl than to NaCl in chorda tympani fibers of squirrel monkeys.
Animals↗
[Study of the "stimulus--excitation" function in the peripheral portion of the frog taste analyzer].
The intensity of glossopharyngeal nerve afferent discharges in the frog was studied during stimulation of gustatory receptors by caffeine, acetic acid, saccharose and sodium chloride ranging widely in the concentration changes. It was shown, that the function "stimulus-exitation" for the summary discharges in response on the coffeine and acetic acid was being logaryphmic. The character of off-effects dependence on the concentration of bitter and sour stimuli. Was proved to be the same. The curve "stimulus-exitation" for the saccharose was "S" shaped, but for the sodium chloride it might be described by the power function with the exponent equal 0,8.
Acetates↗
Light and scanning microscopy of the taste organs and vascularization of the tongue of the spotted salamander, Salamandra salamandra (L.).
The mucosa of the spotted salamander tongue and its taste organs were investigated by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The most striking feature of the salamander tongue is an almost complete lack of papillae which are replaced by long, radially disposed folds with linear arrays of taste organs along their ridges. In respect of morphology, the taste organs of the salamander occupy an intermediate position between the taste buds of Urodela and taste discs of Salientia. Scanning electron microscopic examination of microcorrosion casts of the blood vessels of the tongue has revealed that the structure of subepidermal capillary network reflects the topography of the tongue surface and the distribution of its taste organs. In the core regions of the folds the capillary loops accompanying gustatory receptors empty via their shorter, descending arms into the draining vessels, the initial segments of which retain a course parallel to that of the folds. In the few fungiform papillae the capillary vessels form single loops whose distal ends come to lie in the vicinity of taste discs.
Animals↗
Enhancement of salt responses in frog gustatory nerve by removal of Ca2+ from the receptor membrane treated with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗
[Dysgeusias].
This is a review of multiple pathologic conditions associated with altered taste perception and identification. We stated the steps and the molecular basis of this sense. This paper includes two cases that exemplify two distinct types of dysgeusia; case, 1 a 48 year old man who had clinical manifestations of hypogeusia and dysgeusia for one year, probably secondary to air pollutants. Case 2, a 37 year old man who worked in the same factory and also had dysgeusia; we concluded that it was secondary to thermal and chemical agression of the oropharynx; his plasma and urinary levels of zinc were normal. Many medications and contaminants of air and water are related with changes in serum and urine levels of zinc, which is a determinant at several levels for the correct integration of the taste system. Namely it is important for synthesis of the metalloprotein, gustin, a parotid gland protein secreted into saliva, which in turns is very important to make union of the sapid substance (SS) with its receptor in the surface of the gustatory epithelium a the taste buds. Zinc is also related with neurotransmission of the electrical stimulus generated in the bud cell and ending in the central nervous system. There is an acute zinc loss syndrome, seen in patients treated with histidine, which simulates the steps in which taste sensation is integrated. A clinical approach for diagnosis of hypogeusic or dysgeusic patients must include a careful evaluation of the diat elements, an assesment of hereditary disorders, the type of work and contact with pollutants known to be related with dysgeusia. A special care regarding physical examination must be considered in particular a meticulous review of the oropharynx in order to diagnose inflammatory, neoplastic or neurological disorders. The levels of perception an identification of flavors: sweet, bitter, sour and salt, must be determined using the forced scale triple choice technic. Serum and urinary levels of zinc should be determined in each patient using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A quantification of the activity of leucocyte alkaline phosphatase, a zinc metalloenzyme, is a useful aid, liver function tests. 13 and 14 determinations and serum protein electrophoresis are mandatory because many pathologic states of these organ systems are known to be related with disorders of taste. We wish to remark the important function of zinc in the taste system, the role of essential trace elements is receiving increased atention and these alterations are good examples of their clinical importance.
Adult↗
[Genetic and environmental factors in normal and deviant dietary behavior of the child].
The alimentary behaviors of the child are approached from a developmental point of view, the genesis and the evolution of normal behavior allowing us to better understand the origin, the causality and the signification of pathological behaviors. In this perspective the study, in particular, of the evolution of the taste sensation and its ties with the development of personality permits better to understand the problem. Taking in account actually directions of research and some original works, several directions of study are presented, connected with the following aspects: topological and functional evolution of taste receptors, developmental evolution and individual differentiation of the gustatory sensation, hereditary determinants of gustatory sensation and their possible relations with other aspects of personnality, ethological, cultural and environmental (both, in the large and restrictive meaning) aspects and their place in reinforcements of alimentary behavior. A line of research, which overgoes the only descriptive point of view and has an explanatory aim, is proposed, inserted in a real context.
Child↗
Dietary soybean or seaweed (Kappaphycus sp.) modulates taste-related gene (tas1r1 and tas1r2.2) expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
Taste perception plays a central role in fish feeding behaviour by influencing feed recognition, intake, and nutrient sensing. As aquaculture increasingly adopts plant-based ingredients to replace fishmeal, understanding how these diets affect gustatory mechanisms is critical. This study evaluated TAS-family taste receptor genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed nutritionally formulated diets containing fishmeal (TFM), soybean meal (TSB), red seaweed (Kappaphycus sp., TSW), alongside a natural meal (TNM) reference. Fish were reared for 62 days under controlled conditions, after which growth performance was evaluated, and tongue transcriptomes were analysed using RNA sequencing to identify diet-associated gene expression changes. Candidate TAS1R and TAS2R receptors were identified through conserved domain screening and phylogenetic validation, and differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2. Growth performance did not differ significantly among diets, although the soybean group showed the highest weight gain. Under the conditions of this study, most taste-related genes remained transcriptionally stable across formulated diets, indicating limited responsiveness of the gustatory system to ingredient substitution. Transcriptional differences were mainly observed in comparisons involving the TNM (TSB vs TNM and TSW vs TNM), where tas1r1 was upregulated, suggesting altered amino acid sensing relative to the non-formulated diet. Among formulated diets, tas1r2.2 was upregulated in the TSW vs TFM comparison, indicating potential modulation of carbohydrate-related taste pathways associated with seaweed inclusion. No reliable TAS2R transcripts were detected, likely due to low expression or tissue-specific distribution. Overall, taste receptor expression in Nile tilapia appears resilient to dietary variation, with selective modulation of TAS1R genes providing molecular insight into chemosensory adaptation to sustainable feed ingredients.
Animals↗
Other tastes, other worlds.
The idea of four primary tastes has influenced our concept of the gustatory world of all animals. It has also been the basis for constructing theories of gustatory neural integration. Since natural chemical stimuli are complex mixtures to which responses are multineuronal, difficult questions about integration arise. Answers are usually framed in terms of "labeled line" or "across-fiber" hypotheses. Comparative studies of vertebrate and invertebrate taste reveal in all receptors universal basic parameters that bear on the controversy. Comparative studies also place in more accurate perspective diverse chemically related ecologies and behaviors.
Animals↗
Interaction of chemosensory, visual, and statocyst pathways in Hermissenda crassicornis.
Neurons in the cerebropleural ganglia (CPG), photoreceptors in the eye, optic ganglion cells, and statocyst hair cells of the nudibranch mollusk Hermissenda crassicornis responded in specific ways, as recorded intracellularly, to stimulation of the chemosensory pathway originating at the tentacular chemoreceptors as well as to stimulation of the visual pathway originating at the photoreceptors. Synaptic inhibition of photoreceptors occurs via the chemosensory pathway. The possible significance of such intersensory interaction is discussed with reference to preliminary investigation of the animal's gustatory behavior and possible neural mechanisms of behavioral choice.
Animals↗