PROPERTIES OF OLFACTORY RECEPTORS--A DYNAMIC SYSTEM

拟议的项目提供了一种研究独特的过程的手段 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。将使用化学和轴突切开术来诱导 感觉神经元的退化。随后的神经发生和恢复将 用定量的方法研究确定容量和限制 这一独特的过程。此外，还将对 靶区组织(嗅球)在鼻咽成形术中的重要性 嗅觉神经元和这些替代神经元的能力 重新建立与中枢神经系统的功能性连接。 预计拟议研究的数据将产生新的 有助于改善神经损伤后恢复的信息 细胞损伤。最终，这些研究可能会带来一些方法，可能会有所帮助 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.