Olfactory sensitivity to amino acids in the juvenile stages of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.)

Abstract

Scanning electron micrograph observations of the olfactory mucosa from both unpigmented glass eel(GE)andpigmentedelvers(EL)of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), revealed the presence of various cell types; amongst these, the ciliated and microvillous ones are likely to possess a chcmosensory function. Recording of underwater electro‐olfactograms (EOGs) showed that various amino acids (glycine, L‐alanine, L‐valine, L‐leucine, L‐asparagine, L‐glutamine and L‐methionine) are effective stimulants for the olfactory mucosa. Dose response curves of stimulus concentrations v. EOG amplitudesfit regression linesat both GE and EL stages. Leucine was more stimulatory at the GE than at the EL stage. The stimulatory effect of the other six amino acids tested was similar at both developmental stages. The possible role of olfactory sensitivity in animal behaviour at different developmental stages is discussed.