Laterality of the Olfactory Event-Related Potential Response

摘要

In experimental practice,odors are commonly applied to only one nostril for recordings of olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs),but the lateralization aspect of the OERP response is unclear regarding both stimulated nostril and cortical topography.The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether stimulated-nostril side affects OERP amplitudes and latencies and whether these potentials indicate lateralization of brain response in healthy,right-handed,young adults.OERPs were recorded from nine electrode sites in response to monorhinal stimulation with amyl acetate in 28 participants.The results showed a general increase in amplitude from frontal to parietal electrode sites (in particular for N1/P3) and generally larger amplitudes on the left hemisphere and midline than on the right hemisphere.There was no main effect of stimulated-nostril side on amplitude.Interactions indicated that N1/P2 amplitude was larger for left- than right-nostril stimulation and larger on the left hemisphere and midline than on the right hemisphere in left-nostril stimulation.No main effect or interactions of stimulated-nostril side over latencies were found and no effects on latencies of sagittal or coronal sites.These findings suggest a general parietal,left-hemisphere predominance in response amplitude to odorous stimulation and imply that either the left or the right nostril may be sufficient for accurate assessment of OERP latency in right-handed,young adults.