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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
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Imaging Pheromone Sensing in a Mouse Vomeronasal Acute Tissue Slice Preparation
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Published on: December 6, 2011

Mammalian pheromone sensing.

Frank Zufall1, Trese Leinders-Zufall

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. frank-zufall@uks.eu

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
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The main olfactory and accessory vomeronasal systems in mammals detect overlapping chemosignals, challenging traditional distinctions. Research reveals diverse pheromonal signals and receptors, aiding the study of pheromone-mediated behaviors.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Olfactory System Biology
  • Chemosensation

Background:

  • Traditionally, the main olfactory system (MOS) was thought to detect general odors, while the accessory olfactory system (AOS), or vomeronasal organ (VNO), was believed to detect pheromones.
  • This strict dichotomy is increasingly being challenged by recent research.
  • Evidence suggests significant overlap in the types of chemosignals detected by both systems and the physiological effects they mediate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the functional distinction between the mammalian main olfactory system and the accessory vomeronasal system.
  • To highlight the convergence of chemosignal detection and mediated effects in both olfactory pathways.
  • To underscore the importance of ongoing research into pheromonal signals and their associated neural mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent neurobiological and genetic investigations into olfactory and vomeronasal systems.
  • Analysis of studies identifying novel pheromonal signals and their corresponding receptor families.
  • Examination of research employing selective genetic targeting of olfactory subsystems.

Main Results:

  • The traditional separation of olfactory functions (general odors vs. pheromones) between the MOS and AOS is no longer considered valid.
  • Both olfactory systems demonstrate considerable overlap in the detection of various chemosignals.
  • Numerous pheromonal signal families, specific receptor systems, and distinct nasal detection pathways have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • The functional overlap between the main olfactory system and the accessory vomeronasal system necessitates a revised understanding of mammalian chemosensation.
  • The discovery of extensive pheromonal signaling and receptor diversity provides new avenues for research.
  • Selective genetic manipulation of these subsystems is a promising approach to elucidate the biological roles of pheromones in behavior.