[Role of divalent cations in the genesis of the frog electro-olfactogram]

In frogs, underwater electro-olfactograms (EOGs) in response to 10(-5) M isoamyl acetate were recorded under restricted cationic environments. The olfactory mucosa was superfused by sodium-free sucrose solutions, and the effect of the addition of millimolar concentrations of calcium, cobalt, barium, or cadmium was studied. Only calcium and barium restored the response; sodium and cobalt were less efficient. Cobalt did not alter the restoring effect of calcium. Cadmium resulted in irreversible blocking irrespective of the presence of calcium. These results are discussed in terms of possible ionic mechanisms mediating olfactory responses.