Olfactory modulation of steady-state visual evoked potential topography in comparison with differences in odor sensitivity

Search Swinburne Research Bank

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/2076

Check Swinburne's subscriptions for full text availability

Title: Olfactory modulation of steady-state visual evoked potential topography in comparison with differences in odor sensitivity
Author(s): Owen, Caroline M.; Patterson, John; Silberstein, Richard B.
Abstract: Research was undertaken to determine whether olfactory stimulation can alter steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) topography. Odor-air and air-only stimuli were used to determine whether the SSVEP would be altered when odor was present. Comparisons were also made of the topographic activation associated with air and odor stimulation, with the view toward determining whether the revealed topographic activity would differentiate levels of olfactory sensitivity by clearly identifying supra- and subthreshold odor responses. Using a continuous respiration olfactometer (CRO) to precisely deliver an odor or air stimulus synchronously with the natural respiration, air or odor (n-butanol) was randomly delivered into the inspiratory airstream during the simultaneous recording of SSVEPs and subjective behavioral responses. Subjects were placed in groups based on subjective odor detection response: “yes” and “no” detection groups. In comparison to air, SSVEP topography revealed cortical changes in response to odor stimulation for both response groups, with topographic changes evident for those unable to perceive the odor, showing the presence of a subconscious physiological odor detection response. Differences in regional SSVEP topography were shown for those who reported smelling the odor compared with those who remained unaware of the odor. These changes revealed olfactory modulation of SSVEP topography related to odor awareness and sensitivity and therefore odor concentration relative to thresholds.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. School of Biophysical Science and Electrical Engineering. Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Brain Sciences Institute
Source: Journal of psychophysiology, Vol. 16, no. 2 (2002), pp. 71-81
Publication year: 2002
Publisher: Hogrefe & Huber Publishers
Format: pp. 71-81
ISSN: 0269-8803
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1027//0269-8803.16.2.71
Peer reviewed