It is known from biological data that the response patterns of interneurons in the olfactory macroglomerulus (MGC) of insects are of central importance for the coding of the olfactory signal. We propose an analytically tractable model of the MGC which allows us to relate the distribution of response patterns to the architecture of the network.

Notch signalling plays an important role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory functions in both Drosophila and rodents. In this paper, we report that this feature is not restricted to hippocampal networks but also involves the olfactory bulb (OB). Odour discrimination and olfactory learning in rodents are essential for survival. Notch1 expression is enriched in mitral cells of the mouse ...

The response of olfactory receptor neurons to odor mixtures is not well understood. Here, using experimental constraints, we investigate the mathematical structure of the odor response space and its consequences. The analysis suggests that the odor response space is 3-dimensional, and predicts that the dose-response curve of an odor receptor can be obtained, in most cases, from three primary co...

In teleostean fish, ventilation increases have been observed in response to low dissolved oxygen levels, visual stimuli, and gustatory cues. However, olfactory sensory input may also stimulate gill ventilation rate. We investigated whether olfactory sensory input mediates gill ventilation responses, as suggested by the observation that steroidal compounds detected by the olfactory system elicit...

Perceptual learning has been demonstrated in several thalamocortical sensory systems wherein experience enhances sensory acuity for trained stimuli. This perceptual learning is believed to be dependent on changes in sensory cortical receptive fields. Sensory experience and learning also modifies receptive fields and neural response patterns in the mammalian olfactory system; however, to date th...

Olfactory epithelial structure and olfactory bulb neurophysiological responses were measured in chinook salmon and rainbow trout in response to 25 to 300 mg copper (Cu)/L. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, the number of olfactory receptors was significantly reduced in chinook salmon exposed to $50 mg Cu/L and in rainbow trout exposed to $200 mg Cu/L for 1 h. The number of receptors was ...

The Rhagoletis pomonella species complex is one of the foremost examples supporting the occurrence of sympatric speciation. A recent study found that reciprocal F(1) hybrid offspring from different host plant-infesting populations in the complex displayed significantly reduced olfactory host preference in flight-tunnel assays. Behavioral and electrophysiological studies indicate that olfactory ...

Cholinergic and GABAergic projections from the horizontal diagonal band (HDB) and medial preoptic area (MCPO) of the basal forebrain to the olfactory system are associated with odor discrimination and odor learning, as well as modulation of neural responses in olfactory structures. Whereas pharmacological and lesion studies give insights into the functional role of these modulatory inputs on a ...

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (cng) channels are important components of signaling systems mediating sensory transduction. In vertebrate photoreceptors, light activates a signaling cascade that causes a decrease in intracellular cGMP concentrations, closing retinal cng channels. Signal transduction in olfactory receptor neurons is believed to proceed via G-protein-mediated elevation of intracellular ...

The role of olfactory sexual attractants in the sex behavior of primates is discussed. These olfactory cues can prompt mounting, masturbation, and ejaculation, increase grooming behavior, and reduce aggressive behavior. In rhesus monkeys, the addition of phenylpropanoic and parahydroxyphenylpropanoic acids to a synthetic acid mixture has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of the syntheti...