Effects of taste stimuli on the efferent activity of the gastric vagus nerve in rats.

The effect of taste stimuli on the efferent discharges in the gastric branch of the vagus nerve was studied in rats anesthetized with urethane-chloralose. An increase in discharge rate following taste stimulation with 5% NaCl over the tongue for 5 min, and a decrease of it following an application of 10% sucrose for the same duration were observed in normal as well as in decerebrated rats. The results indicate the existence of a pathway from the taste receptors to the gastric vagus nerve via the brainstem. The reflex effects of taste stimuli on gastric vagal outflow may be related to gastric acid output.