Enhancement of electroencephalogram activity in the theta-band range during unmatched olfactory-taste stimulation

This study aimed to investigate how odor stimulation affects taste perception. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were measured from the frontal region of the head in normal subjects, and frequency analyses were performed. Each odor stimulation was delivered while the subject tasted chocolate, using chocolate paste as the odorant for ‘matched odor stimulation’, and garlic paste for ‘unmatched odor stimulation’. Differences appeared in EEG signals. Comparing frequencies of EEGs under ‘unmatched odor stimulation’ with those under ‘matched odor stimulation’ showed that the occupancy rate of the theta-frequency band under ‘unmatched odor stimulation’ was higher than that under ‘matched odor stimulation’. Interestingly, a negative correlation existed between the occupancy rate of the theta-frequency band and the subjective feeling of chocolate sweetness. The present findings suggest that when we receive unmatched smell against the foods, subjective feelings are disturbed, and theta-band brain activity is increased while cross-checking the unmatched information.

内容要旨・審査要旨・論文本文の公開
本論文は，著者Saori Maedaの学位論文として提出され，学位審査・授与の対象となっている。
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in The Journal of Physiological Sciences. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12576-019-00674-9

© The Physiological Society of Japan and Springer Japan KK, part of Springer Nature 2019