Olfactory masking has been used to erase the unpleasant sensation in human cultures for a long period of history. Here, we show a positive correlation between the human masking and the odorant suppression of the transduction current through the cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) and Ca2+-activated Cl− (Cl(Ca)) channels. Channels in the olfactory cilia were activated with the cytoplasmic photolysis of caged compounds, and their sensitiveness to odorant suppression was measured with the whole cell patch clamp. When 16 different types of chemicals were applied to cells, cyclic AMP (cAMP)-induced responses (a mixture of CNG and Cl(Ca) currents) were suppressed widely with these substances, but with different sensitivities. Using the same chemicals, in parallel, we measured human olfactory masking with 6-rate scoring tests and saw a correlation coefficient of 0.81 with the channel block. Ringer's solution that was just preexposed to the odorant-containing air affected the cAMP-induced current of the single cell, suggesting that odorant suppression occurs after the evaporation and air/water partition of the odorant chemicals at the olfactory mucus. To investigate the contribution of Cl(Ca), the current was exclusively activated by using the ultraviolet photolysis of caged Ca, DM-nitrophen. With chemical stimuli, it was confirmed that Cl(Ca) channels were less sensitive to the odorant suppression. It is interpreted, however, that in the natural odorant response the Cl(Ca) is affected by the reduction of Ca2+ influx through the CNG channels as a secondary effect. Because the signal transmission between CNG and Cl(Ca) channels includes nonlinear signal-boosting process, CNG channel blockage leads to an amplified reduction in the net current. In addition, we mapped the distribution of the Cl(Ca) channel in living olfactory single cilium using a submicron local [Ca2+]i elevation with the laser photolysis. Cl(Ca) channels are expressed broadly along the cilia. We conclude that odorants regulate CNG level to express masking, and Cl(Ca) in the cilia carries out the signal amplification and reduction evenly spanning the entire cilia. The present findings may serve possible molecular architectures to design effective masking agents, targeting olfactory manipulation at the nano-scale ciliary membrane.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSAlthough numerous methods of classifying odors have been developed, little agreement has been achieved on the dimensions that are useful to both basic and consumer research. The identification of a set of semantic 3 Corresponding
Introduction The Proustian memory effect-that fragrances elicit more emotional and evocative memories than other memory cues-is well established. Fragrances also potentiate a variety of psychological states from moods to motivated behavior. Consumer research has shown that pleasant, product-congruent scents enhance product appeal, that products with greater emotional and cognitive involvement are perceived more positively, and that scent can increase recall for product information. However, the effect of Proustian memories on product perception has never been examined. The aim of the present study was to address this issue. Methods An extensive pilot test in which the methods for the main experiment were established was first conducted. The main experiment then tested how a product (body lotion) that varied in fragrance pleasantness and Proustian memory potency was perceived. Results Data analyses from a nationwide study showed that if the lotion fragrance was perceived as very pleasant, and it evoked potent personal emotional memories, that lotion was liked better and judged to be superior on a variety of functional and emotional attributes than the same lotion whose scent was perceived as equally pleasant but was not experienced as evocative.Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that it is the personal potency of Proustian memories evoked by a product's fragrance, more than the hedonic qualities of the scent per se, that drives product perception and has important implications for the development of scented products.
An approach to improvement of pore conspicuousness caused by epidermal structure on cheek T. Nishijima Kao Corporation, Global R&D -Beauty CreationConspicuous facial pores are one of the more serious aesthetic defects of concern to most women. However, the mechanism that causes the conspicuousness of facial pores remains unclear. We observed the epidermal structure around the conspicuous pores on cheeks in vivo using a confocal microscope in detail, and found that there were peculiar epidermal structures around the conspicuous facial pores. These epidermal structures were characterized by a thick epidermis, which reached the deep dermis, and elongated dermal papillae. As the shape and the size of these epidermal structures at more than one hundred micrometers below the surface were similar to those of the surface hollow area around the conspicuous pores, we thought that this epidermal structure was one cause for facial pore conspicuousness on cheeks. To improve these epidermal structures through contraction of keratinocytes, we developed l-isostearylglycerol-3-phosphate, which promoted the gel contractile ability of keratinocytes and suppressed the keratinocytes' growth in vitro. The treatment of lotion containing l-isostearylglycerol-3-phosphate could alter the epidermal structures and decrease the hollow area around the conspicuous facial pores.
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