What do olfactory ensheathing cells do?
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are unique cells that are responsible for the successful regeneration of olfactory axons throughout the life of adult mammals. More than a decade of research has shown that implantation of OECs may be a promising therapy for damage to the nervous system, including spinal cord injury.
Is olfactory bulb CNS or PNS?
The olfactory system originates from the olfactory placode and is made up of the olfactory epithelium (PNS tissue) and the olfactory bulb (CNS tissue) (Fig. 1).
What cells Myelinate olfactory nerve?
Glial cells function to support neurons and in the PNS, also include satellite cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, enteric glia and glia that reside at sensory nerve endings, such as the Pacinian corpuscle. The two types of Schwann cells are myelinating and nonmyelinating.
What is the olfactory mucosa?
The olfactory mucosa is the part of the nasal mucosa that carries the specialized sensory organ for the modality of smell.
Where are olfactory ensheathing cells?
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a unique class of vertebrate glial cells that envelop bundles of olfactory axons, both peripherally in the olfactory nerve and within the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) of the olfactory bulb (1–4).
Are OECs stem cells?
Labeling OECs As stem cell transplantation is becoming a more prevalent means of treating traumatic spinal cord damage, many processes between the start and end result need to be addressed and made more efficient.
What is the main function of olfactory nerve?
The olfactory nerve is purely a sensory nerve that functions for the sense of smell.
What does olfactory nerve innervate?
The olfactory nerve is typically considered the first cranial nerve, or simply CN I, that contains sensory nerve fibers relating to the sense of smell. The afferent nerve fibers of the olfactory receptor neurons transmit nerve impulses about odors to the central nervous system (olfaction).
What is the main function of Schwann cells?
Schwann cells (SCs) are the major glial cell type in the peripheral nervous system. They play essential roles in the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves.
What is the structure of olfactory mucosa?
The olfactory mucosa is located in the upper region of the nasal cavity and is made up of the olfactory epithelium and the underlying lamina propria, connective tissue containing fibroblasts, blood vessels, Bowman’s glands and bundles of fine axons from the olfactory neurons.
Where do you find olfactory mucosa?
Introduction. The olfactory mucosa is the mucus-secreting membrane in the upper recesses of the nose that contains cells responsible for initiating olfactory sensations.
What are the function of the olfactory ensheathing cells?
After damage to the sensory neurons and degeneration of the axon, the olfactory ensheathing cells are retained as conduits through which regenerating axons can pass ( Raisman and Li, 2007 ). As well as supporting the olfactory sensory neurons, the olfactory ensheathing cells may assist in innate immunity.
What does the OEG do in the olfactory system?
OEG are radial glia that perform a variety of functions. Within the olfactory system they phagocytose axonal debris and dead cells. When cultured in a petri dish (in vitro), they phagocytose bacteria.
How are Schwann cells related to the olfactory system?
They are also known as olfactory Schwann cells, because they ensheath the non- myelinated axons of olfactory neurons in a similar way to which Schwann cells ensheath non-myelinated peripheral neurons. They also share the property of assisting axonal regeneration.
Where are the OECS located in the olfactory bulb?
In the central nervous system, OECs are found within the outer two layers of the olfactory bulb. During development, primitive olfactory neurons extend their axons from the olfactory placode, through the mesenchyme, towards the telencephalic vesicle. After reaching the telencephalic vesicle, a small layer of cells and axons cover the vesicle.
