Olfactory receptor function.
Handb Clin Neurol
; 164: 67-78, 2019.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31604564
Olfaction plays a critical role in several aspects of life. Olfactory disorders are very common in the general population, and can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, food poisoning, depression, and other disturbances. Odorants are first detected in the upper region of the nose by the main olfactory epithelium (OE). In this region, millions of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) interact with odor molecules through the odorant receptors (ORs), which belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. The binding of odors to the ORs initiates an electrical signal that travels along the axons to the main olfactory bulb of the brain. The information is then transmitted to other regions of the brain, leading to odorant perception and emotional and behavioral responses. In the OE, OSNs die and are continuously replaced from stem cells localized in the epithelium's basal region. Damage to this epithelium can be caused by multiple factors, leading to anosmia (smell loss). In this chapter, we introduce the basic organization of the OE and focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in odorant perception. We also describe recent experiments that address the mechanisms of OSNs regeneration in response to neuronal injury.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Bulbo Olfatório
/
Olfato
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Receptores Odorantes
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Neurônios Receptores Olfatórios
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Odorantes
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Handb Clin Neurol
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Holanda