Olfactory receptor response to CO2 in bullfrogs

In vivo electrophysiological recordings of olfactory receptor cells of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) exhibit a receptor response to CO2 concentrations as low as 0.5%. The amplitude of the electroolfactogram (EOG) increased with an increase in the CO2 concentration delivered to the olfactory epithelium. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the decay time (time from 90 to 10% peak EOG amplitude) with an increase in CO2. The EOG rise time (time from 10 to 90% peak EOG amplitude) and the EOG response latency (time from beginning of CO2 pulse to beginning of EOG response) significantly decreased, whereas the plateau time (time from 90% rising phase to 90% falling phase of the peak EOG amplitude) was not significantly altered by an increase in CO2. These results indicate that low concentrations of CO2, below normal end expiratory CO2 concentrations, stimulate olfactory receptor cells. These results support our proposal that the ventilatory depression observed in response to upper airway CO2 in reptiles and amphibians is mediated by CO2-sensitive olfactory receptor cells.