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Receptor expression in olfactory neurons during rat development: in situ hybridization studies
J Strotmann1, I Wanner, T Helfrich
1University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Institute of Zoophysiology, Germany.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Odorant receptor expression begins between embryonic days 12-14 in rats, with specific subtypes segregating spatially. Receptor neuron numbers increase significantly during this prenatal olfactory system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The olfactory system's prenatal development is crucial for sensory function.
- Understanding odorant receptor (OR) gene expression provides insights into olfactory system maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the onset and temporal dynamics of specific odorant receptor gene expression during rat prenatal development.
- To analyze the critical period of olfactory system maturation from embryonic day 12 to 18.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in situ hybridization techniques.
- Examined the expression patterns of four specific odorant receptor genes (OR5, OR14, OR37, OR124).
Main Results:
- Onset of expression for OR5, OR14, OR37, and OR124 occurred between embryonic days 12 and 14.
- By embryonic day 14, a distinct receptor subtype was found in a few hundred neurons, increasing 2-3 fold within two days.
- Spatial segregation of different receptor subtypes into distinct expression zones was observed from the earliest stages.
Conclusions:
- Odorant receptor expression initiates early in prenatal development (E12-E14).
- Significant neuronal proliferation and spatial organization of olfactory receptor subtypes occur during this critical prenatal window (E12-E18).