The role of perireceptor events in chemosensory processes

In a review of vertebrate olfaction, Getchell et al. 1 coined the term ‘perireceptor events’ to denote processes, ancillary to both receptor activation and transduction, that influence the entry, exit or residence time of odorant molecules in the receptor environment. The present review describes recent advances in our understanding of perireceptor events and shows that these processes are integral components of chemical sensing systems of organisms as diverse as bacteria, slime molds, yeast, insects, crustaceans and mammals. Moreover, it emphasizes that perireceptor processes are essential components of chemical sensing systems, rather than simply interesting adjuncts to the ‘main events’ of receptor activation and transduction.