[Age-related changes in the olfactory sensitivity of laboratory mice]

Laboratory males and females of two strains (C57BL/6 and AKR) have been studied for age variations in the electric responses of the olfactory epithelium to an odorous stimulation as well as for some morphometric indices. The EOG amplitude is found to be different for three age groups. The maximum amplitude was registered in the animals of groups I and II. In old animals the EOG amplitude decreased. Age distinctions of morphometric characteristics of the olfactory epithelium of mice were found. The relationship between the morphometric age variations in the olfactory epithelium and the character of the physiologic responses to an odorous stimulation are discussed.