INFLUENCE OF THE INTENSITY OF NACL SOLUTIONS ON ADAPTATION DEGREE ANDRECOVERY-TIME COURSE

The degree of adaptation and the time course of recovery after adaptat ion to NaCl solutions of various intensities were examined by magnitud e estimation and simple sensory reaction time using a test stimulus of constant intensity. The results show that the degree of adaptation in creased with the adapting concentration following a negatively acceler ated function. Similarly, all recovery curves were negatively accelera ted functions of the recovery time. The relation between the recovery constant (time necessary to attain two-thirds of normal responsivity) and adapting concentration approximates with both criteria more or les s a linear function. Thus the recovery constant is a positively accele rated function of the degree of adaptation. The relationship between c oncentration and degree of adaptation can be approximated by Beidler's equation of taste stimulation, while the time course of recovery can be expressed by an exponential equation that can also be related to Be idler's theory. The two criteria used showed similar deteriorating eff ects of taste adaptation, indicating that reaction time can also be a useful criterion of the level of sensory responsivity.