Study of cytochrome oxidase staining patterns in peripheral olfactory system of newborn rats
Cytochrome oxidase (COx) is a highly important and critical mitochondrial oxidative enzyme. In cellular respiration, COx functions to transfer electrons from cytochrome C molecules to oxygen, the final electron acceptor in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Studies have shown that the intensity of COx staining in nerve centers correlates directly with the level of metabolic and neural activity. COx staining provides a good picture of the neuronal layers of the olfactory epithelium (OE). Three coronal sections (40µm) representative of the rostral, middle, and caudal areas of the nasal and olfactory cavities were selected per age group, from 0 – 3-day-old rats, for evaluation of the degree of development of neuronal activity in the OE. The level of development was assessed according to the following criteria: 1) the thickness of the OE, 2) the number of conchal folds of the nasal cavity walls, and 3) density of the COx staining seen in the sublayers of the OE. The highest level of neuronal activity, as defined by the density and staining patterns of COx, was seen in the dendritic and mature cell body layers of the OE. Comparisons were made among the three types of coronal sections within and between each age group. In conclusion, COx staining patterns in coronal sections of the nasal cavities of 0 – day-old rats were evaluated to determine the most active metabolic pathway for the processing of olfactory information as it proceeds from the external environment (nasal cavity), through the peripheral olfactory system. It appears that the highest levels of metabolic activity are found in the OE of the middle sections of the nasal cavity, regardless of age group. The greatest density of staining for neuronal activity is expected at the levels of the OE dendrites and perikarya of the mature neurons.
School:
Jackson State University
Department:
Biology
Research Advisor:
Esmail Meisami
Department of Research Advisor:
Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Year of Publication:
2002