Abstract
The lingual artery of the bullfrog was perfused with artificial solution and the effects of Ca2+, Ca-channel blockers (MnCl2 and verapamil), cGMP, and cAMP added to the perfusing solution of the gustatory nerve responses were examined. The responses to chemical stimuli of group 1 (CaCl2, NaCl, distilled water, D-galactose, and L- threonine) applied to the tongue surface were greatly decreased by a decrease in Ca2+ concentration in the perfusing solution, suppressed by the Ca-channel blockers, enhanced by cGMP, and suppressed by cAMP. The responses to chemical stimuli of group 2 (quinine hydrochloride, theophylline, ethanol, and HCl) were practically not affected by a decrease in Ca2+ concentration, the Ca-channel blockers, cGMP, and cAMP. The responses to the stimuli of group 1 seem to be induced by Ca influx into a taste cell that is triggered by depolarization and modulated by the cyclic nucleotides in a taste cell. The responses to group 2 seem to be induced without accompanying Ca influx.
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