Naloxone modulates gustatory perception, but not insulin and C-peptide release, in sham-fed human subjects

In order to determine the role of the endogenous opiatergic system in modulation of human pancreatic B-cell function and taste perception, we measured the reactivity of gustatory receptors (electrogustometry), insulin and C-peptide serum concentration (radioimmunoassay) in six normal men (aged 24-26 years) during sham feeding and 0.8 mg of naloxone or placebo (saline) administration. We did not observe any differences in insulin and C-peptide concentrations during tease feeding independently of placebo or naloxone infusion. The verge of electric reactivity of gustatory perception significantly decreased in the period of food presentation and saline administration but did not change under naloxone. Our electrogustometry results support the hypothesis pointing out the role of endogenous opiates in modulation of human taste.