PROPERTIES OF OLFACTORY RECEPTORS--A DYNAMIC SYSTEM

拟议的项目提供了一种手段，研究独特的过程， 发生在哺乳动物体内的神经发生和神经细胞替换 嗅觉系统 化学和轴突切断术将用于诱导 感觉神经元的退化。 随后的神经发生和恢复将 使用定量方法进行研究，以确定容量和极限 这个独特的过程。 此外，还将评估 目标组织（嗅球）的重要性， 嗅觉神经元和这些替代神经元 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 这些信息可能有助于改善神经损伤后的恢复 细胞损伤 最终，这些研究可能会产生一些方法， 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.