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Anterior Distribution of Human Olfactory Epithelium
Author(s) -
Leopold Donald A.,
Hummel Thomas,
Schwob James E.,
Hong Seok Chen,
Knecht Michael,
Kobal Gerd
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200003000-00016
Subject(s) - olfactory epithelium , biopsy , olfactory mucosa , nasal cavity , medicine , epithelium , pathology , olfactory system , olfactory receptor , anatomy , psychiatry
Objectives/Hypothesis To functionally investigate the distribution of the olfactory epithelium in humans by means of the electro‐olfactogram (EOG) and anatomically located biopsy specimens. Study Design Prospective, nonrandomized, investigational. Methods Supra‐threshold EOG recordings were made on 12 healthy, trained volunteers (6 women, 6 men; age range, 21–48 y). Vanillin was used as the stimulus, since it exclusively excites olfactory receptor neurons. The EOG was recorded with tubular electrodes that were placed using thin‐fiber endoscopic guidance. Biopsy specimens were obtained of anterosuperior nasal cavity mucosa in the same regions as the positive EOGs in 15 smell‐tested patients (7 women, 8 men; age range, 22–60 y) during routine nasal and sinus surgery. This biopsied tissue was histologically processed and stained for olfactory and neural proteins. Results Viable responses to EOG testing were obtained in 7 of 12 subjects. In these seven subjects it was possible to identify nine sites above or below the anterior middle turbinate insertion where EOGs were obtained. The biopsy results showed mature olfactory receptor neurons in this same area. Conclusions Human olfactory epithelium appears to be distributed more anteriorly than previously assumed.