THE TASTE SYSTEM OF THE CHANNEL CATFISH - FROM BIOPHYSICS TO BEHAVIOR

Catfish, described as 'swimming tongues, are unique experimental model s for studies of taste reception because of the extensive distribution of taste bud over their external body surface and within their oropha ryngeal cavity- Both the extraordinary numbers of taste buds and their high sensitivity to amino acids have made it possible to Perform in t he same species: biochemical and biophysical studies of stimulus recog nition and signal transduction; electrophysiological recordings Of tas te activity from receptor cells, afferent nerve fibers and CNS relays; and behavioral studies of taste-controlled food search, biting and ma stication. The close correspondence of results obtained with these div erse experimental approaches has Provided critical information concern ing vertebrate gustation.