Abstract
Angiotensin II and aldosterone are key hormones regulating sodium and water balance. Investigations of the taste system in rat have shown that the amiloride-sensitivity of the taste nerve responses to NaCl is enhanced by aldosterone treatment over a time course of several hours. A recent study further revealed that angiotensin II suppresses the amiloride-sensitivity of the mouse gustatory NaCl responses and enhances sweet taste sensitivity within one hour, without affecting umami, sour and bitter responses. These results suggest the presence of a reciprocal regulatory mechanism of salty taste sensitivity by angiotensin II as an acute suppressor and aldosterone as a slow enhancer in peripheral taste organs, which may play an important role in maintaining sodium homeostasis. Moreover, the possible cross-talk between salty and sweet taste modulation by angiotensin II signaling may optimize sodium and calorie intake.
