The study of the molecular bases on differences in salt taste sensitivity, palatability and saliva component induced by low or high sodium diet

咸味是检测环境中必需矿物质尤其是钠离子的重要感官，影响钠的摄入量。血管紧张素II是调节钠稳态的关键激素。本研究表明，血管紧张素II通过其在味觉细胞中表达的受体AT1抑制了小鼠对NaCl的味觉和行为反应的阿米洛利敏感性。有趣的是，在给予血管紧张素II后，味觉神经对甜味剂的反应也显著增加，而对酸、苦和鲜味的反应没有影响。这些结果表明，血管紧张素II对盐和甜味敏感性的调节机制可能存在于外周味觉器官，参与盐和热量的摄入，并在钠和葡萄糖的稳态中发挥重要作用。

Salty taste is a crucial sense for detecting essential minerals, especially sodium ions in the environment and influences sodium intake. Angiotensin II is a key hormone that regulates sodium homeostasis. This study demonstrated that Angiotensin II suppresses amiloride-sensitivity of the mouse gustatory and behavioral responses to NaCl via its receptor AT1 expressed in taste cells. Interestingly, significant increases of taste nerve responses to sweeteners were also observed after the Angiotensin II administration, without effects on the responses to sour, bitter and umami tastants. These results suggest that the regulatory mechanisms by Angiotensin II on the salt and sweet taste sensitivities may exist in peripheral taste organs, contribute to salt and calorie intake, and play important roles in sodium and glucose homeostasis.