Bilateral detection thresholds in dextrals and sinistrals reflect the more sensitive side of the nose, which is not lateralized [published erratum appears in Chem Senses 1998 Dec;23(6):761] |
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Authors: | Betchen SA; Doty RL |
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Institution: | Smell and Taste Center, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104, USA. |
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Abstract: | Several fundamental questions remain enigmatic concerning human olfactory
sensitivity, including (i) whether detection threshold differences exist
between the two sides of the nose (and, if so, whether such differences are
influenced by handedness) and (ii) whether bilateral (i.e. binasal)
stimulation leads to lower thresholds than unilateral stimulation (and, if
so, whether the degree of facilitation is inversely related to general
olfactory ability). In this study, and well-validated single staircase
procedure was used to establish bilateral and unilateral detection
thresholds for the cranial nerve I stimulant phenyl ethyl alcohol in 130
right- and 33 left-handed subjects. No differences in sensitivity between
the left and right sides of the nose were observed in either group.
Bilateral thresholds were lower, on average, than unilateral thresholds
when the latter were categorized in terms of left and right nares. However,
the bilateral thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the
side of the nose with the lower threshold. Overall smell ability, as
measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, did
not interact with any of the test measures. These data imply that (i) the
left and right sides of the nose do not systematically differ in detection
threshold sensitivity for either dextrals or sinistrals and (ii) if central
integration of left:right olfactory threshold sensitivity occurs, its
effects do not exceed the function of the better side of the nose.
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