Transient optogenetic silencing of bitter neurons in the rNST during sampling of the bitter stimuli (1 mM quinine) abolished the capacity of the animal to identify the bitter tastant. In contrast, responses to sweet stimuli were unaffected. Note normal performance in laser-off trials. Values are mean SEM; n = 5 animals; paired t test: bitter odor A,*p = 0.0272; sweet odor A, p = 0.268; sweet odor B, p = 0.503.
