[Olfactory evoked potentials produced by electrical stimulation of the olfactory mucosa].

OBJECTIVE

To develop an objective olfactometric method.

METHODS

Electrically evoked olfactory potentials were recorded in 20 rabbits with 0.2-4.0 mA electrical stimulations. The stimulating electrodes were placed on the olfactory and respiratory regions of the nasal mucosa. Recording electrode was placed on the scalp near the olfactory bulb.

RESULTS

Electrically evoked olfactory potentials composed of triphasic negative-positive-negative peaks, named N1, P1, N2 respectively, were detected on the olfactory region. The latencies of N1, P1, N2 were 16.27 ms, 25.36 ms, 49.75 ms respectively in cribriform plate. No electrically evoked potentials were detected on the respiratory mucosa, nor did on the olfactory mucosa after olfactory neurectomy.

CONCLUSION

Steady and clear electrically evoked olfactory potentials which originated from olfactory neurosystem were detected on olfactory mucosa in rabbits.