Olfactory receptor neurons use gain control and complementary kinetics to encode intermittent odorant stimuli

摘要: Insects follow odor trails carried by the wind to find mates and sources of food. The turbulent motion air means that these odors tend arrive in whiffs with varying intensities durations, which makes it difficult distinguish them. use sensory cells called olfactory receptor neurons on their antenna process odors. Specialized proteins surface detect molecules set off a cascade events ends signal being sent brain. Much is known about how insects different kinds smells, but remains less clear timing intensity whiffs. Now, Gorur-Shandilya et al. report what happens fruit flies when they have compensate for variations duration In experiments, were exposed two sweet-smelling To do so, built an apparatus enabled them control airflow enough precision could simulate variability natural air. response flies’ smells was recorded. experiments showed adapt both average variance signals. ability followed specific pattern, also seen responsible vision touch. Adapting strength slows down first steps its processing. However, second step has complementary mechanism speed up signals brain, so whiff accurately captured regardless strong is. Based results, created biophysical model reproduce experimental data, including slowdown step. may now help other scientists investigate animals smells. For example, some are pests agricultural crops, while insects, such as mosquitos, spread diseases between people. A better understanding ways interfere processes protect food crops reduce tropical diseases.