Squamous and Respiratory Metaplasia After Olfactory Mucosal Resection

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Olfactory mucosa (OM) resection is sometimes necessary during nasal surgeries.
• The regenerative capacity and long-term recovery of the OM post-resection remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complete recovery potential of the olfactory mucosa after surgical resection.
• To elucidate the process and timeline of olfactory mucosa regeneration and potential degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to olfactory mucosa resection.
• Employed histological examination and immunohistochemistry at 0, 30, and 90 days post-surgery.
• Assessed olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) lineage cells, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), cell proliferation, apoptosis, metaplasia, and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Partial regeneration of the OM was observed by day 30, characterized by immature ORNs and basal cells.
• By day 90, the regenerated mucosa transformed into squamous or ciliated epithelia with decreased ORNs and increased macrophages.
• Olfactory receptor neurons and OECs showed poor persistence, indicating significant degeneration.

Conclusions:

• Olfactory mucosa resection results in initial partial regeneration followed by degeneration into non-olfactory epithelia within three months.
• The poor persistence of olfactory receptor neurons and olfactory ensheathing cells suggests that OM resection likely leads to olfactory impairment.
• Surgeons must exercise caution to avoid injuring the olfactory mucosa during surgical procedures.