Advanced gustometer design for reliable recording of gustatory event-related potentials in healthy young adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: This study introduces an advanced gustometer to record Gustatory Event-Related Potentials (GERPs) in healthy young adults. We aimed to validate its functionality and reliability. Methods: The gustometer includes a programmable controller, a human-machine interface, a modular pump system, and supporting hardware. The Neuro-Audio EEG platform recorded EEG data from 46 volunteers. Psychophysical gustatory tests assessed gustatory function. GERPs were tested using distilled water as a control and sodium chloride solutions (0.3 and 0.6%) as tastants. Tetracaine anesthetized the tongue surface to observe waveform changes and confirm GERP specificity. GERP responses were recorded at the Fz and Cz sites, focusing on the latency and amplitude of GERP P1 and P2 waves and their correlation with psychophysical test results. No stable waveforms were recorded with distilled water. Results: < .05). No significant differences in latency were observed between the Fz and Cz sites. Additionally, 48% of subjects showed increased P1-N1 and P2-N2 amplitudes with higher salty stimulation. The latency of P1 and P2 positively correlated with psychophysical test results. Discussion: This novel gustometer effectively evoked reliable GERP waveforms. The study validated the consistency of GERP amplitude and latency with psychophysical tests, highlighting the gustometer's potential for clinical and research applications in gustatory system.
Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4408842672