Changes of olfactory processing in childhood and adolescence. (26th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schriever, V.A.; Boerner, C.; Mori, E.; Smitka, M.; Hummel, T.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience. Volume 287(2015)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2015-02-26
• Subjects: EEG electroencephalography -- LP late positivity -- OERPs olfactory event-related potentials -- PEA phenylethylalcohol; children -- olfaction -- event-related potentials -- olfactory testing -- olfactory processing; Neurochemistry -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurochimie -- Périodiques; Neurophysiologie -- Périodiques; Neurochemistry; Neurophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4522

Abstract

Highlights: Changes of central odor processing during development by means of OERP were examined. OERPs change from childhood to adolescence reflecting different odor processing. Interactions between recording position and sex were observed for the N1 component. Abstract: Objectives: Olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) are widely used to study central odor processing. Only a few studies used this method in children and adolescents. Aim of the current study therefore was to measure OERP and the possible influences of age and sex on central odor processing in this age group. Methods: A total of 81 children between 6 and 17 years of age were included in this study. OERP in response to a rose-like odor were measured from three recording positions (Fz, Cz, Pz) according to the 10–20 system. Stimuli were presented by means of a computer-controlled olfactometer. Results: Age had a significant influence on the amplitudes of the late positivity with younger children showing larger amplitudes. Although age did not significantly affect the latencies of OERP, interactions of recording positions and latencies between younger and older children and between girls and boys were found. Conclusions: OERP can be used to study central odor processing in children older than 6 years of age. Central odor processing changes from childhood to adolescents possibly reflecting maturation of the brain.