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Behav Neurosci

Title:		Assessment of olfactory function and androstenone odor thresholds in humans with or without functional occlusion of the vomeronasal duct
Author(s):		Knecht M; Lundstrom JN; Witt M; Huttenbrink KB; Heilmann S; Hummel T;
Address:		"Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany"
Journal Title:		Behav Neurosci
Year:		2003
Volume:		117
Issue:		6
Page Number:		1135 - 1141
DOI:		10.1037/0735-7044.117.6.1135
ISSN/ISBN:		0735-7044 (Print) 0735-7044 (Linking)
Abstract:		"To obtain information on the possible role of the vomeronasal duct (VND) in odor perception and human pheromone detection, the present study investigated different aspects of olfactory function, including thresholds for androstenone in adults with or without detectable VNDs. The study also examined correlations between detection thresholds of androstenone odor and general olfactory function. Subjects' olfaction was assessed with tests for odor identification, odor discrimination, and phenyl ethyl alcohol odor threshold. Measurements were performed on 1 side only, with and without covering the VND. Subjects with or without detectable VNDs did not differ in olfactory sensitivity or androstenone odor thresholds. A small but significant correlation was found between detection thresholds of androstenone and general olfactory function. Finally, covering of the VND did not affect olfactory function or androstenone sensitivity. Results suggest that the human VND does not play a major role in sensitivity toward odorants or the perception of androstenone"
Keywords:		"Adolescent Adult Aged Androsterone/*physiology Constriction, Pathologic/physiopathology Female Humans Male Middle Aged Odorants Olfaction Disorders/*physiopathology Perception/drug effects/physiology Pheromones/pharmacology Sensory Thresholds/drug effects;"
Notes:		"MedlineKnecht, Michael Lundstrom, Johan N Witt, Martin Huttenbrink, Karl-Bernd Heilmann, Stefan Hummel, Thomas eng Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial 2003/12/17 Behav Neurosci. 2003 Dec; 117(6):1135-41. doi: 10.1037/0735-7044.117.6.1135"