Endothelin-1 from Tongue Glands Gates 1 Sodium Taste and Intake

Tongue gland-derived endothelin-1 (EDN1) regulates amiloride-sensitive, sodium-selective salt taste by suppressing salt-sensing neuron activity via EDNRB, and this shifts salt intake.

• Why it matters: It is unclear how internal sodium depletion changes salt taste to drive sodium appetite, leaving a gap in understanding peripheral control of nutrient homeostasis.
• What they did: The study mapped Edn1 expression to tongue-embedded glands, tested EDN1 effects by applying it to the tongue with a Neogel delivery system, and used Ednrb deletion in taste neurons to mimic sodium deficiency.
• The result: Lower internal sodium reduces EDN1 and enhances salt responses, while EDN1 application dampens salt-sensing neuron activity and reduces salt intake and preference; EDNRB loss increases salt consumption.

AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.