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Expression of corticosteroid binding globulin in the rat olfactory system
Wilfried Dölz1, Annett Eitner, Jack D Caldwell
1Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, Germany.
Acta Histochemica
|November 13, 2012
Summary
Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) is present in the rat olfactory system, suggesting a role in transporting glucocorticoids to olfactory tissues. This finding helps clarify how these hormones affect smell.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Olfactory System Research
Background:
- Glucocorticoids influence the olfactory system, but their mechanism is unclear due to the absence of nuclear receptors in the olfactory mucosa.
- Investigating the role of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) is crucial for understanding glucocorticoid action in the olfactory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and distribution of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) within the rat olfactory system.
- To determine the potential role of CBG in the transport and action of glucocorticoids in olfactory tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to visualize CBG distribution.
- RT-PCR confirmed the presence of CBG-encoding transcripts in olfactory tissues.
- Double immunostaining with olfactory marker protein (OMP) identified CBG in mature sensory cells.
Main Results:
- CBG was detected in mucosal goblet cells, nasal secretions, basal cells, and sensory cell processes of the olfactory mucosa.
- CBG was prominently found in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb, indicating axonal transport.
- CBG transcripts were confirmed in olfactory mucosa and VNO homogenates.
Conclusions:
- CBG is widely distributed in the rat olfactory system, including sensory and neural components.
- Olfactory CBG likely plays a significant role in the uptake, accumulation, and transport of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol.
- This study provides insights into the mechanism of glucocorticoid action in the olfactory system.
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