Olfactory epithelium grafts in the cerebral cortex: an immunohistochemical analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an alternative model for studying the regenerative capacity of olfactory neurons.


METHODS
An immunohistochemical analysis of mouse olfactory epithelium transplanted to the cerebral cortex.


METHODS
Strips of olfactory epithelium removed from donor mice at postnatal day 5 to day 20 were inserted into the parietal cortex of adult mice. Recipient animals were allowed to survive for 25 to 120 days and then perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde 1 hour after bromodeoxyuridine injection. The brains were processed, and frozen sections were obtained. Sections through transplant tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and compared with normal olfactory epithelium.


RESULTS
Graft survival approached 85% with mature olfactory neurons detected in 35% of the transplants stained for olfactory marker protein. Transplant epithelium resembled normal olfactory epithelium containing mature olfactory neurons and axon bundles.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies of olfactory neuron regeneration have been limited by the inability to produce cultures with long-term viability. Olfactory epithelial grafts to the cerebral cortex provide an alternative approach to the study of olfactory neuron regeneration.
Holbrook
E H
EH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0551, USA.
DiNardo
L J
LJ
Costanzo
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000378:metabolism; D006085:Graft Survival; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation*