PROPERTIES OF OLFACTORY RECEPTORS--A DYNAMIC SYSTEM

拟议的项目提供了一种研究独特过程的方法 哺乳动物中发生的神经发生和神经细胞替换 嗅觉系统。 将使用化学和轴切术程序来诱导 感觉神经元退化。 随后的神经发生和恢复将 使用定量方法进行研究以确定容量和限制 这个独特的过程。 此外，还将对 目标组织（嗅球）对于替代的重要性 嗅觉神经元以及这些替代神经元的能力 重新建立与中枢神经系统的功能连接。 预计拟议研究的数据将产生新的 可能有助于改善神经术后恢复的信息 细胞损伤。 最终这些研究可能会带来一些方法来帮助 修复人类中枢神经系统受损的通路。

The proposed project provides a means of studying the unique process of neurogenesis and nerve cell replacement that takes place in the mammalian olfactory system. Chemical and axotomy procedures will be used to induce degeneration of sensory neurons. Subsequent neurogenesis and recovery will be studied using quantitative methods to determine the capacity and limits of this unique process. In addition, an assessment will be made of the importance of target tissue (olfactory bulb) for the replacement of olfactory neurons and the ability of these replacement neurons to re-establish functional connections with the central nervous system. It is expected that data from the proposed study will produce new information which could prove helpful in improving recovery following nerve cell injury. Eventually these studies may lead to methods which could help to repair damaged pathways in the human central nervous system.