A gustatory stimulator

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Emilia Iannilli - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Marcel Beger - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Raffaela Fürer - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)

Abstract

Background: In order to elicit gustatory event related potentials (gERPs) a special taste delivery system is needed which allows precise control of stimulus onset and duration. New method: Aim of this investigation was to describe the characteristics, namely onset rise-time step and onset delay time of a recently new taste delivery system based on stepper-motor, computer-driven glass syringes, able to spray pulses of liquid solutions into the mouth. Results: The measurement showed that the pulse rise time is less than 100. ms and increases with the pulse duration; the delay of the stimulus on a 12. m hose is between 55. ms and 71. ms. Comparison with existing methods: The gustometer in examination produce a stream of pulses, constituted by a certain number of taste stimuli interleaved among a number of tasteless pulses, moreover the solution is thermos-regulated at internal body temperature. This make the technique appealing for event related procedure in neuroscience investigation related to gustatory tasks. Conclusion: These results of the time rise measurements confirm the suitability of this gustometer to elicit ERPs.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-16
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of neuroscience methods
Volume255
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26226653
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/164619783

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • ERPs, Pulse rise-time, Pulse taste delivery