Circadian rhythm in recognition threshold of salt taste in healthy subjects.

The circadian rhythm in recognition threshold of salt taste was examined in six healthy young subjects. Plasma aldosterone (PA) and cortisol concentrations, plasma renin activity (PRA), salivary sodium concentration, and salt recognition thresholds were measured every 3 h for a 24-h period. The salt recognition threshold and salivary sodium concentration exhibited similar circadian rhythms, with the lowest values recorded in the afternoon. Positive correlations were observed between the recognition threshold and salivary sodium (P less than 0.001) and between cortisol and PA (P less than 0.001). There was no correlation between PRA and PA. A negative correlation was observed between PA and salivary sodium concentration (P less than 0.01). These data indicate that the recognition threshold for salt taste has a circadian rhythm in young healthy subjects. This rhythm appears to be related to daily variations in the plasma aldosterone concentration and its subsequent effects on salivary sodium concentration.