| Abstract: | Recent studies have shown that taste sensations are mediatedby a multiplicity of transduction mechanisms. The taste of saltis produced in part by the entry of Na+ through channels inthe apical taste cell membrane. Na+ transport also mediatessweet perception in some species. The taste of KCI requiresentry of K+ through apical potassium channels. The productionof second messengers such as cAMP by taste stimuli or tastemodifiers can depolarize taste cells by inducing an enzymaticcascade that alters K+ permeability. |
