How Odorants Affect Cell Communication in the Nose
Author Information
Author(s): Ruth Dooley, Anastasia Mashukova, Bastian Toetter, Hanns Hatt, Eva M Neuhaus
Primary Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Hypothesis
Olfactory neurons communicate with sustentacular cells via extracellular ATP and purinergic receptor activation.
Conclusion
The study suggests that extracellular nucleotides play a role in communication between olfactory neurons and sustentacular cells in response to odorants.
Supporting Evidence
- Odorant exposure led to increased CREB phosphorylation in both olfactory sensory neurons and sustentacular cells.
- Purinergic receptor antagonists reduced CREB phosphorylation specifically in sustentacular cells.
- Activation of CREB in sustentacular cells was dependent on olfactory signaling pathways.
Takeaway
When we smell things, special cells in our nose talk to each other using tiny signals, helping them work better together.
Methodology
Mice were exposed to a mixture of 100 odorants, and the levels of phosphorylated CREB in olfactory sensory neurons and sustentacular cells were measured.
Participant Demographics
Mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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