Topographical differences in the sensitivity of the human nasal mucosa to olfactory and trigeminal stimuli.

The olfactory and trigeminal systems play a role in the sensation of odors. The intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging method allows visualization of the neuronal activity. The IOS was measured after the nasal epithelium had been exposed to olfactory (H(2)S) and trigeminal (CO(2)) stimuli. The IOS was measured in the area of the middle turbinate. The response patterns of H(2)S and CO(2) on the middle turbinate were different, and some overlap between regions of activation was also observed. The response to CO(2) (20%) on the medial side of the middle turbinate was significantly higher than the response on the lateral side. In contrast, the response to H(2)S (5.6 ppm) was greater on the lateral side than on the medial side. There were no significant differences in response between the medial and lateral sides of the middle turbinate to stimuli of lower concentration (H(2)S 2.8 ppm, CO(2) 5% and 10%). These data suggest that the middle turbinate has regions which are sensitive to both olfactory and trigeminal stimuli.