Olfactory bulb transplantation into the olfactory bulb of neonatal rats

Embryonic olfactory bulbs (E14-E18) were homotopically transplanted into neonatal rats (P1-P5) after partial or total bulb removal. After different survival times, the animals were sacrificed and their brains processed for histological and immunohistochemical observations. The growing sensory axons randomly formed glomeruli within the transplanted tissue which often acquired a typical laminar organization. Myelinated fibers connecting the transplant with the telencephalon were clearly identified in one animal. Thus, the present study has shown that olfactory bulb transplants were able to differentiate, mature and establish relationship with both the periphery and the brain.