Olfactory Testing
Olfactory Testing - Related Videos
09:00
Olfactory Behavioral Testing in the Adult Mouse
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Cited by 68 •
2009
Fundamental, yet unique properties of the rodent olfactory system have led to its increasing study among biologists. A relatively simple assessment of its function is then also needed. Here we describe sensitive tests for the characterization of mouse olfactory sensitivity and preference.
06:40
Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice
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Cited by 9 •
2015
We present a simple and unbiased olfactory test in mice. With this protocol olfactory discrimination, preference, avoidance and sensitivity to a novel odor as compared to water can be assessed in single behavioral sessions. This method is indicated for a single experimenter and analysis is based on computer-assisted video processing.
06:32
Quadruple Immunostaining of the Olfactory Bulb for Visualization of Olfactory Sensory Axon Molecular Identity Codes
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2017
Olfactory sensory neurons express a wide variety of axon-sorting molecules to establish proper neural circuitry. This protocol describes an immunohistochemical staining method to visualize combinatorial expressions of axon-sorting molecules at the axon termini of olfactory sensory neurons.
09:22
Appetitive Associative Olfactory Learning in Drosophila Larvae
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Cited by 32 •
2013
Drosophila larvae are able to associate odor stimuli with gustatory reward. Here we describe a simple behavioral paradigm that allows the analysis of appetitive associative olfactory learning.
09:48
Drosophila Adult Olfactory Shock Learning
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Cited by 36 •
2014
The method to measure adult Drosophila associative memory is described. The assay is based on the ability of the fly to associate an odor presented with a negative reinforcer (electric shock) and then recall this information at a later time, allowing memory to be measured.
FAQs
Odorant concentration determines whether a subject detects a chemical signal and supports measurement of its detection threshold, the lowest tested concentration that produces a detectable response. Testing across defined concentrations can reveal differences in sensitivity rather than simply showing whether an odor is noticed. These comparisons help evaluate sensory performance across organisms or experimental conditions.
Detection measures whether an organism responds to an odor at all, whereas discrimination tests whether it can distinguish one odor from another. Identification requires associating or selecting a particular odor after sensing it. Separating these outcomes helps determine whether a result reflects sensitivity, perceptual distinction, or recognition, which can clarify how olfactory abilities differ among subjects.
Responses in olfactory testing reflect more than the initial interaction between odorants and receptors. Signals must also travel through neural pathways to brain regions involved in chemical sensing, where they can support discrimination or identification. Consequently, an altered result may indicate changes at receptor, pathway, or brain-region levels, making the test useful for investigating olfactory function biologically.
A typical procedure selects controlled odorants, presents them at defined concentrations, and records the subject’s behavioral or physiological response. The investigator then organizes results according to detection, discrimination, or identification performance. Keeping odor presentation and measurement categories consistent allows meaningful comparisons between organisms, developmental stages, environments, or conditions associated with disease.
Researchers can apply the method when they need to compare sensory abilities across species or examine changes linked to development, environment, or disease. Using comparable odorants and response measures helps reveal whether olfactory performance varies between groups. The resulting patterns can provide evidence about how biological context influences chemical sensing without relying on a single behavioral outcome.
Measured olfactory responses can be related to behaviors that depend on chemical cues, including feeding, reproduction, and threat avoidance. For example, differences in detection, discrimination, or identification may help explain why organisms respond differently to biologically relevant odors. This connection places sensory measurements within a broader biological framework linking receptor and brain function to behavior.