When an odorant is bound to its receptor protein that activates a tightly bound G protein inside the cell. This activates a second message cascade that leads to the transfer of odor information to the central nervous system. Several second messenger cascades have been shown to be involved in odor transduction. The increase in cAMP activates a cAMP dependent non-selective cation channel which opens and the influx of sodium and calcium lead to a depolarization of the cell. However, not all odors excite the olfactory receptor cells.
Some odors can inhibit the cell.
What second messenger pathways mediate the inhibition is one of the focuses of my research. I am also quite interested in how the function of the olfactory receptor cells is modulated by a variety of different hormones and or neurotransmitters. My current research is directed at understanding the second messenger cascades involved in odor transduction and how these pathways are modulated by GnRH and dopamine. Neuromodulatory effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone on olfactory receptor neurons. A cyclic nucleotide-gated chloride conductance in olfactory receptor neurons.