Assessment of olfactory function and androstenone odor thresholds in humans with or without functional occlusion of the vomeronasal duct

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

To obtain information on the possible role of the vomeronasal duct (VND) in odor perception and human pheromone detection, the present study investigated different aspects of olfactory function, including thresholds for androstenone in adults with or without detectable VNDs. The study also examined correlations between detection thresholds of androstenone odor and general olfactory function. Subjects' olfaction was assessed with tests for odor identification, odor discrimination, and phenyl ethyl alcohol odor threshold. Measurements were performed on 1 side only, with and without covering the VND. Subjects with or without detectable VNDs did not differ in olfactory sensitivity or androstenone odor thresholds. A small but significant correlation was found between detection thresholds of androstenone and general olfactory function. Finally, covering of the VND did not affect olfactory function or androstenone sensitivity. Results suggest that the human VND does not play a major role in sensitivity toward odorants or the preception of androstenone.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)1135-1141
Seitenumfang7
FachzeitschriftBehavioral Neuroscience
Jahrgang117
Ausgabenummer6
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Dez. 2003
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 14674834
Scopus 0242341165
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/146645645

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • Pheromone receptor gene, Sensitivity, Ability, Organ, Discrimination, Identification, Epithelium, Responses, Steroids, Cells

Bibliotheksschlagworte