An Olfactory Cilia Pattern in the Mammalian Nose Ensures High Sensitivity to Odors.

ABSTRACT: In many sensory organs, specialized receptors are strategically arranged to enhance detection sensitivity and acuity. It is unclear whether the olfactory system utilizes a similar organizational scheme to facilitate odor detection. Curiously, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the mouse nose are differentially stimulated depending on the cell location. We therefore asked whether OSNs in different locations evolve unique structural and/or functional features to optimize odor detection and discrimination. Using immunohistochemistry, computational fluid dynamics modeling, and patch clamp recording, we discovered that OSNs situated in highly stimulated regions have much longer cilia and are more sensitive to odorants than those in weakly stimulated regions. Surprisingly, reduction in neuronal

SUBMITTER: Challis RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4596779 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature