Biopsies of Human Olfactory Epithelium

Abstract

It has been shown that olfactory epithelium can be safely biopsied from the living, intact human being. Observations of the ultrastructure of this epithelium shows changes that can then be correlated with the etiology and degree of olfactory loss, allowing a greater understanding of both normal transduction and of the pathology of dysfunction. Examples of the common forms of olfactory dysfunction are presented and discussed. Additionally, the technique will allow additional immuno-histochemical and molecular study of the tissue, will increase the understanding of both normal and pathological function and should translate to new therapeutic regimens.

The Airway Antigen Sampling System: Respiratory M Cells as an Alternative Gateway for Inhaled Antigens

“…Murine respiratory epithelium consists of a typical single-layer epithelium with traditional columnar epithelial cells in the turbinate portion of the nasal cavity, whereas pseudostratified columnar epithelium covers the olfactory epithelium (21,22). In contrast, the traditional single-layer epithelium is not observed in the human nasal cavity, and both the upper respiratory surfaces and the olfactory surfaces are covered by pseudostratified columnar epithelium (23,24). These differences suggest that the presence of respiratory M cells in the nasal cavity might be a feature unique to the mouse.…”

Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Pressure-Pulsed Corticosteroid Inhalation

“…As a consequence of inflammation, olfactory cells may also be restricted in function [5,6]. According to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EP3OS) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by polyp formation (CRSwNP) or without polyps (CRSsNP) [7].…”

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“…From outermost to innermost, they are (1) stratified squamous epithelium with numerous hair follicles, (2) transitional, cuboid, or columnar epithelium with no hair follicles, (3) ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, and finally, (4) respiratory epithelium that consists of ciliated columnar cells, mucus-secreting goblet cells, and small basophilic cells believed to be stem cells. [29][30][31] Upon microscopic examination, one finds that healthy olfactory mucosa is generally thicker and more cellular than respiratory mucosa. 32 The olfactory mucosa is composed of three primary components: epithelium, basement membrane, and lamina propria.…”

“…30,[41][42][43][44] Olfactory Receptor Neurons It is well known that ORNs are sensory cells specialized for detecting odorants. In humans, ORNs can be found at various stages of maturity and are interspersed with sustentacular cells.…”