Olfaction in invertebrates.

Olfactory transduction in invertebrates seems to be similar to that in vertebrates. Three signalling systems involving activation of adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C and guanylate cyclase are present. A variety of second messengers, including cAMP, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, diacylglycerol, nitric oxide and Ca2+, have been identified but their target sites and mode of action are not yet fully understood. The central projections of olfactory signals in invertebrates are relatively simple and perhaps more hard-wired than in vertebrates. Information about circuitry and functional mapping in the olfactory pathway is lacking. This is essential for understanding the sensory code and higher olfactory functions. Neurogenetic analysis has provided useful insights into olfaction and olfactory learning.