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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
Published on: April 23, 2019
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Nasal odorant metabolism: enzymes, activity and function in olfaction
Jean-Marie Heydel1, Philippe Faure1, Fabrice Neiers1
1Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté , F-21000 Dijon , France.
Drug Metabolism Reviews
|June 18, 2019
Summary
Odorant-metabolizing enzymes (OMEs) in the nose are crucial for olfaction. These enzymes help clear odorants, preventing receptor saturation and maintaining smell sensitivity, while also potentially influencing olfactory responses through odorant metabolites.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Nasal tissues moisten, heat, and detect airborne substances via olfactory receptors.
- Nasal toxicology studies assess risks from environmental toxicants and inform intranasal drug delivery.
- Knowledge of nasal xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters has grown significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of odorant-metabolizing enzymes (OMEs) in olfaction.
- Understand how OMEs contribute to odorant clearance and olfactory sensitivity.
- Explore the influence of odorant primary metabolites on olfactory responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on nasal OMEs.
- Analysis of OME identification, localization, and activity.
- Integration of enzymatic, physiological, and sensory experimental findings.
Main Results:
- OMEs are highly expressed in nasal tissues.
- OMEs are involved in clearing odorants from olfactory receptors.
- Metabolites of odorants can modulate olfactory perception.
Conclusions:
- OMEs play a significant role in the olfactory process.
- Understanding OMEs is vital for both olfaction research and drug delivery.
- Further research combining multiple approaches is enhancing our knowledge of OME functions in olfaction.
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