IADR Abstract Archives

Taste renin-angiotensin system may contribute to the maintenance of sodium homeostasis.

Abstract: Sodium ion (Na+) is the principal extracellular cation maintaining body fluid homeostasis and generation of action potentials. Salty taste, one of the five basic tastes (sweet, umami, bitter, sour, and salty), is considered to play essential roles in identifying and ingesting the Na+ in foods. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the salt taste reception and its modulation are remained unclear in detail. Regarding the salt taste reception, it has recently been revealed that the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)α subunit functions as amiloride-sensitive salt taste receptor in taste bud cells. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a major hormone system in the regulation of body fluid and sodium homeostasis. We had reported that a key component of RAS, angiotensin II (AngII) directly acts on taste cells via its receptor AT1, and suppresses amiloride-sensitive salt taste responses. Furthermore, we recently revealed the presence of all RAS components to produce AngII, namely, renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 (ACE1, ACE2) in mouse taste buds. These results indicate the existence of a local RAS in the taste organ and suggest that taste function may be regulated by both locally-produced and circulating AngII. Such integrated modulation of peripheral salt taste sensitivity by AngII may play an important role in sodium homeostasis. It is reported that early symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may include a loss of taste or smell, and SARS-CoV-2 uses human ACE2 as the entry receptor on host cells. These results suggest that ACE2 expressed in the taste organs may be involved in the development of the taste loss in COVID-19. In this presentation, we would also like to discuss the possible linkage between the taste RAS and taste loss in COVID-19.
Japanese Division Meeting
2020 Japanese Division Meeting (Virtual)
Virtual, Japan
2020
SⅢ-1
Pathophysiological approach from oral function to systemic diseases
  • Shigemura, Noriatsu  ( Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, )
  • Symposium II