Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Olfactory (H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>S) and trigeminal (CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>) event‐related potentials (ERPs) were studied with respect to circadian rhythm and desensitization. ERPs, perceived odor and pain intensity, oral temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, nasal volume, and sleepiness were assessed four times at 04:00, 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, and 24:00 hr in five young men. For each of these 24 sessions per participant, H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>S and CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> were each presented in 15 series of five stimuli with a 5‐s ISI within and 30‐s ISI between series. ERP amplitudes, but not latencies, followed a circadian rhythm (largest at 16:00 and smallest at 04:00) similar to oral temperature and opposite to sleepiness. Amplitudes decreased (most pronounced at 16:00 and 20:00) and latencies increased with repeated stimulation, suggesting desensitization, in accordance with odor and pain intensity. These findings imply that circadian rhythm and desensitization should be considered in chemosensory ERP studies.</jats:p>