Abstract
We have developed a new type of olfactory stimulator triggered by air pressure for use in recording of olfactory evoked potential (OEP). This olfactory stimulator is equipped with air regulators, tenperature controls, flowmeters, a digital pressure sensor, a moisture regulator, solenoid valves, one touch joints and Teflon tubing. Except the moisture regulator, all of the parts are contained within a steel box. The operative switches for olfactory stimulus (OS), air stimulus and air wash are set in the top panel, which includes a temperature display and power switch. The olfactory switch feeds clean air mixed with an odorant to the nose of the subject for OS, and the air switch feeds clean air only for control stimulus. A program was written and installed in a controller to operate the device. The airflow is set at the level of 7.0L/min and the air pressure is set at 0.065 Mpa at a room temperature of 24.5°C. In order to test the usefulness of this olfactory stimulator, we recorded OEP at Fz on the scalps of healthy volunteers who were administered amyl acetate odorant with the device. Impedances were kept below 2 Kω. Singals were collected with a band-pass of 0.05-30 Hz and digitized at a rate of 1024 Hz. Their OEP components contained a large negative deflection peak with a latency of approximately 600 msec. In conclusion, this olfactory stimulator device is effective for use in OEP recording. [Jpn J Physiol 54 Suppl:S252 (2004)]
