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Carnosine-like immunoreactivity in human olfactory mucosa.
M Sakai1, M Ashihara, T Nishimura
1Department of Anatomy, Fujita-Gakuen Health University, School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|May 1, 1990
Summary
This study shows carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is present in human olfactory receptor neurons. This finding suggests carnosine may function as a neurotransmitter in the sense of smell.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is a dipeptide found in various tissues.
- Its role in the human olfactory system has not been previously established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization of carnosine-like immunoreactivity (LI) in the human olfactory mucosa.
- To determine if carnosine is present within olfactory receptor neurons.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to detect carnosine-LI.
- Human olfactory mucosa samples were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Carnosine-LI was identified within human olfactory receptor neurons.
- Immunoreactivity was observed across all parts of the receptor cells, including dendrites, olfactory vesicles, soma, and axons.
- Supporting cells and basal cells did not exhibit carnosine-LI.
Conclusions:
- Carnosine is localized in human olfactory receptor neurons.
- The findings support the hypothesis that carnosine plays a significant role in human olfaction.
- Carnosine is proposed as a putative neurotransmitter in vertebrate olfactory systems.