Specificity of a pyrazine binding protein from cow olfactory mucosa

Abstract

The specificity of a binding protein for 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, probably involved in odour recognition, was measured by competitive binding experiments, using a series of cycloal-kanethiazoles. The values obtained showed a size requirement of 6 – 8 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon part of the molecule. The shape of this part also seems very important for a close fitting to the specific site. A comparison between the biochemical data reported here, and olfactory properties, such as odour description and olfactory thresholds, previously measured with human subjects, showed a broad correlation, suggesting a function of this protein in olfaction.