The olfactory system permits animals to recognize and discriminate a vast number of different odorous molecules. This sensitivity is achieved by the selective expression of a single odorant receptor, specific to a small subset of the universe of odors, in each olfactory sensory neuron [1,2]. The topography of synaptic connections at the first relay in the olfactory system is organized according...

Following intranasal administration of radioactive (86)Rb(+) and (201)Tl(+) in mice, we observed this direct transport via the olfactory nerve pathway. The (86)RbCl and (201)TlCl solutions were administered to two groups of mice, the unilateral intranasal and intravenous administration groups. After sacrifice, their heads were divided into the right and left side, which were then subdivided int...

To clarify the functional differences among G-proteins, we investigated the localization of Gi and G, in the olfactory bulb of rats by both immunohistochemical and immunochemical techniques, using purified antibodies specific to the e-subunits of Gi, (G,,a), G, (G,,a), and G, (G,a), respectively. We found that G,,a is localized exclusively in the accessory olfactory bulb, but it is present at o...

Natural prion diseases of ruminants are moderately contagious and while the gastrointestinal tract is the primary site of prion agent entry, other mucosae may be entry sites in a subset of infections. In the current study we examined prion neuroinvasion and disease induction following disruption of the olfactory epithelium in the nasal mucosa since this site contains environmentally exposed olf...

Caribbean spiny lobsters ( Panulirus argus ) rely on their sense of olfaction for many behaviours. Growth of their olfactory systems, and maintenance of olfactory function, is ensured by structural change that occurs continuously throughout life. In this paper, we review recent studies on postembryonic development in the olfactory system of P . argus and several other decapod species. Major str...

The mammalian olfactory sense employs several olfactory subsystems situated at characteristic locations in the nasal cavity to detect and report on different classes of odors. These olfactory subsystems use different neuronal signal transduction pathways, receptor expression repertoires, and axonal projection targets. The Grueneberg Ganglion (GG) is a newly-appreciated olfactory subsystem with ...

Newborn feeding, maternal, bonding, growth and wellbeing depend upon intact odor recognition in the early postnatal period. Antenatal stress may affect postnatal odor recognition. We investigated the exact role of a neurotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO), in newborn olfactory function. We hypothesized that olfactory neuron activity depended on NO generated by neuronal NO synthase (NOS). Utilizing ...

The olfactory system relies on precise circuitry connecting olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and appropriate relay and processing neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB). In mammals, the exact correspondence between specific olfactory receptor types and individual glomeruli enables a spatially precise map of glomerular activation that corresponds to distinct odors. However, the mechanisms that gover...

Viral upper respiratory infections are the most common cause of clinical olfactory dysfunction, but the pathogenesis of dysosmia after viral infection is poorly understood. Biopsies of the olfactory mucosa in patients that complain of dysosmia after viral infection fall into two categories: one in which no olfactory epithelium is seen and another in which the epithelium is disordered and popula...

The ability to function in a nocturnal and ground-dwelling niche requires a unique set of sensory specializations. The New Zealand kiwi has shifted away from vision, instead relying on auditory and tactile stimuli to function in its environment and locate prey. Behavioral evidence suggests that kiwi also rely on their sense of smell, using olfactory cues in foraging and possibly also in communi...