Houseflies:Effects of age on olfactory responses

The olfactory system of sexually immature 1-day-old flies is already functional. No clear differences exist between the responses of their olfactory cells and those of sexually mature flies to amylacetate, S-methylphenol, 2-pentanone and R(+)-limonene. However, the sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol is lower in young flies than in old flies.</p

Properties of electroantennograms in flies

By varying the positions of electrodes on the antenna, it was revealed that EAGs from globular antennae measure the summated receptor potentials over the cuticula of olfactory receptor neurons near the electrode. Two effects of acids were found: 1. Using low doses of acids, EAGs reflect the physiological responses of olfactory receptor cells. 2. High doses of strong acids induce electrochemical potentials of the electrodes that vary in strength and polarity, depending on unknown factors. Therefore care should be taken in interpreting responses to these stimul