Related Experiment Videos
Olfactory receptor response to CO2 in bullfrogs
1Biomedical Research Division, Lovelace Medical Foundation, Albuquerque 87108.
The American Journal of Physiology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO2) stimulates olfactory receptor cells in bullfrogs, even at low concentrations. This finding supports the idea that these CO2-sensitive olfactory cells mediate ventilatory depression in amphibians and reptiles.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Olfactory receptor cells are crucial for detecting environmental stimuli.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a role in respiratory regulation.
- Previous research suggests a link between CO2 and ventilatory control in certain vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) on olfactory receptor cells in bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana).
- To determine if low CO2 concentrations stimulate olfactory receptor cells.
- To explore the role of CO2-sensitive olfactory receptor cells in mediating ventilatory responses.
Main Methods:
- In vivo electrophysiological recordings were used to measure the response of olfactory receptor cells.
- Bullfrogs were exposed to varying concentrations of CO2 delivered to the olfactory epithelium.
- Key electroolfactogram (EOG) parameters including amplitude, rise time, decay time, latency, and plateau time were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Olfactory receptor cells responded to CO2 concentrations as low as 0.5%.
- EOG amplitude and decay time increased with rising CO2 concentrations.
- EOG rise time and response latency significantly decreased as CO2 concentration increased.
Conclusions:
- Low concentrations of CO2 stimulate olfactory receptor cells in bullfrogs.
- These CO2-sensitive olfactory receptor cells are likely involved in the observed ventilatory depression in response to upper airway CO2 in amphibians and reptiles.