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A banded topography in the developing rat's olfactory epithelial surface
1Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3520, USA. bmenco@casbah.acns.nwu.edu
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|November 22, 1997
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy reveals distinct morphological patterns in the rat olfactory epithelium during development. These topographic patterns in receptor and surrounding cells correlate with known biochemical zones, aiding odor perception research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Olfactory System Research
Background:
- In situ hybridization studies identified four distinct regions in the rat olfactory epithelium based on odor receptor distribution.
- The biochemical regionalization suggests underlying morphological differences that were not yet fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether morphological features correlate with the biochemically defined regions of the rat olfactory epithelium.
- To examine the developmental emergence of these morphological patterns using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface morphology of the rat olfactory epithelium, focusing on nasal endoturbinates and septa.
- Morphological features were analyzed at different embryonic developmental stages (E15, E16, E18) and in adults.
Main Results:
- Distinct regionalization of the olfactory epithelium became apparent by embryonic day 16.
- Posterior regions showed higher olfactory receptor cell knob densities and longer supporting cell microvilli compared to anterior regions.
- Differences in the apical morphology of surrounding cells and the presence of respiratory cells and glandular openings were observed across regions.
Conclusions:
- A distinct topographic pattern in the rat olfactory epithelium emerges during development, involving both receptor and surrounding cells.
- This morphological regionalization aligns with previously identified biochemical zones, providing a comprehensive understanding of olfactory epithelium organization.