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Unveiling the brain's spatio-temporal processing of salt habituation using high-density EEG
Thibault Chabin1, Lucie Ben Sussan2, Thierry Thomas Danguin2
1Université Bourgogne Europe, Institut Agro, CNRS, INRAE, UMR CSGA, Dijon, 21000, France; CNRS, INRAE, PROBE/CALIS research infrastructure, ChemoSens facility, Dijon, 21000, France.
Salt taste habituation slightly reduces perceived saltiness intensity. High-density electroencephalography (EEG) revealed reduced early brain activity in temporal areas, suggesting habituation involves early processing stages. Adaptation is linked to decreased delta oscillations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Understanding salt (NaCl) perception during meals is key for dietary strategies.
- Salt taste habituation and adaptation mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate salt habituation and adaptation using controlled in-mouth stimulation.
- To explore the neural correlates of salt perception changes with High-Density Electroencephalography (HD-EEG).
Main Methods:
- Two designs: short pulses (500 ms) and continuous stimulation (20 s).
- Healthy adults underwent HD-EEG recordings during NaCl stimulation.
- Event-Related Potential (ERP) and frequency analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Habituation led to a slight decrease in perceived saltiness intensity after repeated short pulses.
- EEG showed reduced early ERP component amplitudes (P1) and decreased temporal lobe activity post-habituation.
- NaCl adaptation correlated with decreased delta oscillations in frontal and central areas.
Conclusions:
- Salt taste habituation involves reduced activity in early sensory processing stages, potentially in temporal cortical areas.
- Adaptation may be associated with decreased overall cortical activity, particularly in frontal and temporal regions.
- Taste habituation and adaptation likely have both peripheral and central neural origins.
