ISSN:
1059-910X
Keywords:
Olfactory epithelium
;
Vomeronasal epithelium
;
Endocytosis
;
Ultrastructure
;
Olfactory pigment
;
Mouse
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Natural Sciences in General
Notes:
Mammalian olfactory neurons possess a well-developed system of endocytic vesicles, endosomes, and lysosomes in their dendrites and perikarya. Vomeronasal neurons are similar and also contain much perikaryal agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER). Olfactory supporting cells contain endocytic vesicles and endosomes associated closely with abundant fenestrated AER, and vesicles and numerous large dense vacuoles are present basally. Vomeronasal supporting cells have little AER, and few dense vacuoles occur in their bases. In olfactory neurons, ultrastructural tracers (0.08% horseradish peroxidase, thorium dioxide, ferritin) are endocytosed by olfactory receptor endings and transported to the cell body, where their movement is halted in lysosomes. Higher concentrations (1%) of horseradish peroxidase penetrate olfactory receptor plasma membranes and intercellular junctions. In olfactory supporting cells, endocytosed tracers pass through endosomes to accumulate in dense basal vacuoles. These observations indicate that olfactory sensory membranes are rapidly cycled and that endocytosed materials are trapped within the epithelium. It is proposed that in the olfactory epithelium, endocytosis presents redundant odorants to the enzymes of the supporting cell AER to prevent their accumulation, whereas in the vomeronasal epithelium the receptor cells carry out this activity. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
29 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jemt.1070230204
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