Characterization of an olfactory system dysfunction model: a vanadium dose-effect study via nose-to-brain delivery in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• The olfactory system provides a direct neural link to the brain, making it susceptible to xenobiotics and a model for neurotoxicity.
• Studying olfactory dysfunction is crucial for understanding neurodegenerative effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize an animal model of olfactory dysfunction induced by nose-to-brain (NTB) delivery of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).

Main Methods:

• Rats received V2O5 intranasally over 4 weeks.
• Analyses included behavioral, histological, and biochemical assessments of the olfactory epithelium (OE), olfactory bulbs (OBs), and hippocampus.

Main Results:

• V2O5 exposure caused olfactory deficits, OE necrosis, OB glomerular changes, and hippocampal neuronal loss.
• Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress markers showed dose-dependent increases in the OBs and hippocampus.
• Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and glial markers indicated cellular proliferation and damage.

Conclusions:

• Nose-to-brain V2O5 delivery induces dose-dependent neurotoxicity, impacting olfactory and cognitive functions.
• This model effectively mimics olfactory dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
• It serves as a valuable tool for investigating mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction and neurodegeneration.