Ray A Abarintos1, Jayvic C Jimenez1,2, Robin M Tucker3, Gregory Smutzer1. 1. Laboratory of Molecular Psychophysics, Department of Biology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA. 2. Current address: Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 4106. 3. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Measurements of chemosensory function within specific regions of the tongue can yield important information about the sensitivity of lingual areas to chemosensory stimuli, and may identify possible nerve damage. A novel regional chemosensory test that uses thin edible circles was developed for human testing. METHODS: Edible circles placed at six different regions of the tongue were used to examine regional sensitivity to quinine for bitter taste, NaCl for salt taste, sucralose for sweet taste, and capsaicin for pungency. The six regions included the anterior tip of the tongue, the left and right lateral margins of the tongue (anterior and posterior), and the circumvallate region. Testing was completed with the mouth open, and the mouth closed. RESULTS: Intensity ratings at all sites were higher in the closed mouth condition for the three taste stimuli. Quinine intensity was highest at the circumvallate region with the mouth closed. NaCl and sucralose intensity were highest at the anterior tip and circumvallate regions. Capsaicin intensity was most highly perceived at the anterior tip of the tongue, but open and closed mouth intensity ratings showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in chemosensory perception were observed on the tongue, and these differences were dependent on the chemosensory stimulus, tongue region, and tasting mode. IMPLICATIONS: Edible circles show minimal diffusion with saliva, can be used to examine both taste and irritation, and may be used to identify regional papillae counts on the tongue. Finally, edible circles should be invaluable for examining damage to the oral cavity.
INTRODUCTION: Measurements of chemosensory function within specific regions of the tongue can yield important information about the sensitivity of lingual areas to chemosensory stimuli, and may identify possible nerve damage. A novel regional chemosensory test that uses thin edible circles was developed for human testing. METHODS: Edible circles placed at six different regions of the tongue were used to examine regional sensitivity to quinine for bitter taste, NaCl for salt taste, sucralose for sweet taste, and capsaicin for pungency. The six regions included the anterior tip of the tongue, the left and right lateral margins of the tongue (anterior and posterior), and the circumvallate region. Testing was completed with the mouth open, and the mouth closed. RESULTS: Intensity ratings at all sites were higher in the closed mouth condition for the three taste stimuli. Quinine intensity was highest at the circumvallate region with the mouth closed. NaCl and sucralose intensity were highest at the anterior tip and circumvallate regions. Capsaicin intensity was most highly perceived at the anterior tip of the tongue, but open and closed mouth intensity ratings showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in chemosensory perception were observed on the tongue, and these differences were dependent on the chemosensory stimulus, tongue region, and tasting mode. IMPLICATIONS: Edible circles show minimal diffusion with saliva, can be used to examine both taste and irritation, and may be used to identify regional papillae counts on the tongue. Finally, edible circles should be invaluable for examining damage to the oral cavity.
Authors: L M Bartoshuk; V B Duffy; B G Green; H J Hoffman; C-W Ko; L A Lucchina; L E Marks; D J Snyder; J M Weiffenbach Journal: Physiol Behav Date: 2004-08
Authors: Richard L Doty; Julie M Heidt; Michael R MacGillivray; Merle Dsouza; Elisabeth H Tracey; Natasha Mirza; Douglas Bigelow Journal: Physiol Behav Date: 2015-12-17
Authors: Sally Eldeghaidy; Daniel Thomas; Martha Skinner; Rebecca Ford; Timo Giesbrecht; Anna Thomas; Joanne Hort; Susan Francis Journal: Physiol Behav Date: 2017-12-06