Neurogenesis dynamics in the olfactory bulb:deciphering circuitry organization, function, and adaptive plasticity

Adult neurogenesis persists after birth in the subventricular zone, with new neurons migrating to the granule cell layer and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb, where they integrate into existing circuitry as inhibitory interneurons. The generation of these new neurons in the olfactory bulb supports both structural and functional plasticity, aiding in circuit remodeling triggered by memory and learning processes. However, the presence of these neurons, coupled with the cellular diversity within the olfactory bulb, presents an ongoing challenge in understanding its network organization and function. Moreover,the continuous integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb plays a pivotal role in regulating olfactory information processing. This adaptive process responds to changes in epithelial composition and contributes to the formation of olfactory memories by modulating cellular connectivity within the olfactory bulb and interacting intricately with higher-order brain regions. The role of adult neurogenesis in olfactory bulb functions remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, the functionality of the olfactory bulb is intricately linked to the organization of granule cells around mitral and tufted cells. This organizational pattern significantly impacts output, network behavior, and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for olfactory perception and memory. Additionally, this organization is further shaped by axon terminals originating from cortical and subcortical regions. Despite the crucial role of olfactory bulb in brain functions and behaviors related to olfaction, these complex and highly interconnected processes have not been comprehensively studied as a whole. Therefore, this manuscript aims to discuss our current understanding and explore how neural plasticity and olfactory neurogenesis contribute to enhancing the adaptability of the olfactory system. These mechanisms are thought to support olfactory learning and memory, potentially through increased complexity and restructuring of neural network structures, as well as the addition of new granule granule cells that aid in olfactory adaptation. Additionally, the manuscript underscores the importance of employing precise methodologies to elucidate the specific roles of adult neurogenesis amidst conflicting data and varying experimental paradigms. Understanding these processes is essential for gaining insights into the complexities of olfactory function and behavior.

Treadmill exercise in combination with acousto-optic and olfactory stimulation improves cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-and Cygb-associated signaling pathways

A reduction in adult neurogenesis is associated with behavioral abnormalities in patients with Alzheimer's disease.Consequently,enhancing adult neurogenesis represents a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating disease symptoms and progression.Nonetheless,nonpharmacological interventions aimed at inducing adult neurogenesis are currently limited.Although individual non-pharmacological interventions,such as aerobic exercise,acousto-optic stimulation,and olfactory stimulation,have shown limited capacity to improve neurogenesis and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease,the therapeutic effect of a strategy that combines these interventions has not been fully explored.In this study,we observed an age-dependent decrease in adult neurogenesis and a concurrent increase in amyloid-beta accumulation in the hippocampus of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mice aged 2-8 months.Amyloid deposition became evident at 4 months,while neurogenesis declined by 6 months,further deteriorating as the disease progressed.However,following a 4-week multifactor stimulation protocol,which encompassed treadmill running(46 min/d,10 m/min,6 days per week),40 Hz acousto-optic stimulation(1 hour/day,6 days/week),and olfactory stimulation(1 hour/day,6 days/week),we found a significant increase in the number of newborn cells(5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive cells),immature neurons(doublecortin-positive cells),newborn immature neurons(5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive/doublecortin-positive cells),and newborn astrocytes(5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive/glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells).Additionally,the amyloid-beta load in the hippocampus decreased.These findings suggest that multifactor stimulation can enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis and mitigate amyloid-beta neuropathology in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mice.Furthermore,cognitive abilities were improved,and depressive symptoms were alleviated in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mice following multifactor stimulation,as evidenced by Morris water maze,novel object recognition,forced swimming test,and tail suspension test results.Notably,the efficacy of multifactor stimulation in consolidating immature neurons persisted for at least 2weeks after treatment cessation.At the molecular level,multifactor stimulation upregulated the expression of neuron-related proteins(NeuN,doublecortin,postsynaptic density protein-95,and synaptophysin),anti-apoptosis-related proteins(Bcl-2 and PARP),and an autophagyassociated protein(LC3B),while decreasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins(BAX and caspase-9),in the hippocampus of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mice.These observations might be attributable to both the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated signaling pathway and antioxidant pathways.Furthermore,serum metabolomics analysis indicated that multifactor stimulation regulated differentially expressed metabolites associated with cell apoptosis,oxidative damage,and cognition.Collectively,these findings suggest that multifactor stimulation is a novel non-invasive approach for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Differential response of injured and healthy retinas to syngeneic and allogeneic transplantation of a clonal cell line of immortalized olfactory ensheathing glia:a double-edged sword

Olfactory ensheathing glia promote axonal regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system,including retinal ganglion cell axonal growth through the injured optic nerve.Still,it is unknown whether olfactory ensheathing glia also have neuroprotective properties.Olfactory ensheathing glia express brain-derived neurotrophic factor,one of the best neuroprotectants for axotomized retinal ganglion cells.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective capacity of olfactory ensheating glia after optic nerve crush.Olfactory ensheathing glia cells from an established rat immortalized clonal cell line,TEG3,were intravitreally injected in intact and axotomized retinas in syngeneic and allogeneic mode with or without microglial inhibition or immunosuppressive treatments.Anatomical and gene expression analyses were performed.Olfactory bulb-derived primary olfactory ensheathing glia and TEG3 express major histocompatibility complex classⅡmolecules.Allogeneically and syngenically transplanted TEG3 cells survived in the vitreous for up to 21 days,forming an epimembrane.In axotomized retinas,only the allogeneic TEG3 transplant rescued retinal ganglion cells at 7 days but not at 21 days.In these retinas,microglial anatomical activation was higher than after optic nerve crush alone.In intact retinas,both transplants activated microglial cells and caused retinal ganglion cell death at 21 days,a loss that was higher after allotransplantation,triggered by pyroptosis and partially rescued by microglial inhibition or immunosuppression.However,neuroprotection of axotomized retinal ganglion cells did not improve with these treatments.The different neuroprotective properties,different toxic effects,and different responses to microglial inhibitory treatments of olfactory ensheathing glia in the retina depending on the type of transplant highlight the importance of thorough preclinical studies to explore these variables.

Olfactory dysfunction and its related molecular mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease

Changes in olfactory function are considered to be early biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease.Olfactory dysfunction is one of the earliest non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease,appearing in about 90%of patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease,and can often predate the diagnosis by years.Therefore,olfactory dysfunction should be considered a reliable marker of the disease.However,the mechanisms responsible for olfactory dysfunction are currently unknown.In this article,we clearly explain the pathology and medical definition of olfactory function as a biomarker for early-stage Parkinson’s disease.On the basis of the findings of clinical olfactory function tests and animal model experiments as well as neurotransmitter expression levels,we further characterize the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction in the pathology of early-stage Parkinson’s disease.The findings highlighted in this review suggest that olfactory dysfunction is an important biomarker for preclinical-stage Parkinson’s disease.Therefore,therapeutic drugs targeting non-motor symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction in the early stage of Parkinson’s disease may prevent or delay dopaminergic neurodegeneration and reduce motor symptoms,highlighting the potential of identifying effective targets for treating Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting the deterioration of olfactory dysfunction.

Progress in Research on Insect Olfactory Perception of Habitat Odor Molecules

A highly sensitive olfactory system allows insects to precisely identify and position volatile compounds from different sources in their habitats,and plays a crucial role in their foraging,mating,and oviposition activities.During evolution,insects have successfully developed a large and complex olfactory system to adapt to heterogeneous environments,enabling the maintenance of inset population.A comprehensive examination of the olfactory system of insects may therefore yield novel insights into the development of innovative pest control and prevention strategies,as well as the study of olfactory mechanisms in vertebrates and even humans.This paper outlines the current state of research into the signal transduction mechanism by which insects perceive the olfactory molecules of their habitats.The aim of this review is to provide a reference point for future studies into the olfactory perception mechanism and its potential applications in pest management.

转录因子acj6在昆虫嗅觉中的功能研究进展

综述了acj6的发现及突变造成的嗅觉异常行为,介绍了acj6的结构及表达模式,阐述了acj6在昆虫嗅觉中的功能,包括调控Or表达、塑造嗅觉神经元的形态和靶向、维持神经递质乙酰胆碱水平和调控嗅小球形成,指出今后应注重研究acj6对昆虫嗅觉的调控机制、与其他转录因子的互作关系,以期为阐明昆虫的嗅觉调控机制并制定基于嗅觉的害虫防治策略提供参考。

SAFE结合GC-MS/O分离分析29种淡香型天然香辛料香气活性成分

采用溶剂萃取结合溶剂辅助风味蒸发萃取(SAFE),分离富集29种淡香型天然香辛料的香气活性成分,使用气相色谱质谱/嗅闻联用仪(GC-MS/O)进行了定性定量测定。将各类香气活性化合物的种类和含量构建相关系数矩阵网络,建立了不同香辛料的网络可视化图。结果表明,共检测到244种香气活性成分,其含量较高的主要成分为151种,包括烯烃类31种、醇类20种、酯类13种、酮类18种、醛类13种、酚类10种、含硫类11种、酸类9种、醚类6种、烷烃类7种和含氮类4种。芳樟醇和香兰素分别在28、25种淡香型香辛料中检出。香荚兰、枯茗、芒果和月桂叶中质量分数最高的分别为香兰素、4-异丙基苯甲醛、柠檬醛和4-异丙基苯甲醛;枫茅、月桂叶、豆蔻、甘牛至、草果、迷迭香、罗幌子和藏红花中醇类化合物的质量分数较高,分别为香叶醇、α-松油醇、桉叶油醇、芳樟醇、反式-橙花叔醇、(–)-4-萜品醇、桉叶油醇、(1α,2α,5α)-2-甲基-5-(1-甲基乙基)-双环[3.1.0]己-2-醇;刺柏、圆叶当归、姜黄、甘草、迷迭香、调料九里香和菖蒲中的烯烃类化合物质量分数最高,分别为茴香脑、大根香叶烯、α-姜黄烯、反-菖蒲烯、β-瑟林烯、洋芹脑和茴香脑;蒙百里香、葫芦巴、罗幌子中主要的酚类化合物为丁香酚;刺山柑、欧芹中主要的酯类化合物为乙酸松油酯;芒果、香椿中的含硫类物质种类和含量最高,分别为3-甲硫基丙醛和1-甲基乙基丙基二硫;芝麻主要以2,6-二甲基吡嗪和4-烯丙基苯甲醚为主;石榴和山奈的主要香气活性成分为茴香脑;杨桃的主要香气活性成分为水杨酸甲酯。29种淡香型香辛料分为4大类,其中香椿的介中心度最高,表明其在淡香型香辛料网络中起着核心桥梁作用。

基于症状管理理论的护理干预在慢性鼻窦炎鼻内镜术后患者中的应用效果

目的:探究基于症状管理理论的护理干预在慢性鼻窦炎鼻内镜术后患者中的应用效果。方法:纳入2021年9月—2023年9月高邮市人民医院收治的82例慢性鼻窦炎患者,依据掷硬币法分为对照组(n=41)和试验组(n=41)。对照组接受常规护理,试验组接受基于症状管理理论的护理干预。对比两组主观症状、疾病严重程度[鼻腔鼻窦结局测试量表-20(SNOT-20)]、并发症、嗅觉功能[康涅狄格化学感觉临床研究中心(CCCRC)嗅觉测试评分]。结果:试验组术后24 h、48 h的头痛、面部胀痛、咽干、整体不适感评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组术后24 h、48 h的流眼泪评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);试验组术后6个月,鼻部症状、鼻窦炎症状、睡眠障碍、情感障碍评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);试验组并发症总发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3个月、6个月,试验组CCCRC评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:基于症状管理理论的护理干预能够有效改善慢性鼻窦炎患者鼻内镜术后的主观症状、疾病严重程度、嗅觉功能,同时降低并发症的发生率,为提升患者术后恢复质量提供了一种有效的护理策略。

Ex vivo non-viral vector-mediated neurotrophin-3 gene transfer to olfactory ensheathing glia: effects on axonal regeneration and functional recovery after implantation in rats with spinal cord injury

Objective Combine olfactory ensheathing glia （OEG） implantation with ex vivo non-viral vector-based neurotrophin- 3 （NT-3） gene therapy in attempting to enhance regeneration after thoracic spinal cord injury （SCI）. Methods Primary OEG were transfected with cationic liposome-mediated recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 and subsequently implanted into adult Wistar rats directly after the thoracic spinal cord （T9） contusion by the New York University impactor. The animals in 3 different groups received 4x 1050EG transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 or pcDNA3.1 （＋） plasmids, or the OEGs without any plasmid transfection, respectively; the fourth group was untreated group, in which no OEG was implanted. Results NT-3 production was seen increased both ex vivo and in vivo in pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 transfected OEGs. Three months after implantation of NT-3-transfected OEGs, behavioral analysis revealed that the hindlimb function of SCI rats was improved. All spinal cords were filled with regenerated neurofilament-positive axons. Retrograde tracing revealed enhanced regenerative axonal sprouting. Conclusion Non-viral vector-mediated genetic engineering of OEG was safe and more effective in producing NT- 3 and promoting axonal outgrowth followed by enhancing SCI recovery in rats.

Olfactory Responses of Tomicus yunnanensis to Different Non-host Plants

[ Objective ] With Cupressustorulosa, Cinnamomum camphora and Cyclobalanopsis Oerst as test materials, the paper studied the effects of different non- host plants on olfactory responses of Tomicus yunnanensis. [ Method ] The needles of Pinus yunnanensis were mixed with the leaves of Cupressustondosa, C. cam- phora and C. Oerst according to the ratios of 0 g ： 6 g, 1 g ： 5 g, 2 g ： 4 g, 3 g ： 3 g, 4 g ： 2 g, 5 g ： 1 g and 6 g ： 0 g, and the mixtures were put in the re- spanse arm of Y-tube olfactometer as odor source to observe the olfactory behavior of T. yunnanensis, the empty arm was set as control. [ Result ] When the needles of P. yunnanensis were mixed with the leaves of non-hest plants according to the ratio of 1 g ： 5 g and 2 g ： 4 g, they had less difference on attractive rate to T. yun- nanensis compared with complete P. yunnanensis needles in mixture （ratio： 6 g ： 0 g）, and the maximum difference was 14%. When the needles ofP. yunnanen- sis were mixed with non-host leaves according to the ratio of 1 g ： 5 g, 2 g ： 4 g, the attractive rate to T. yunnanensis decreased compared with complete P. yun- nanensis needles in mixture （ ratio： 6 g ： 0 g）, and the decrease value in maximum was 40%. [ Conclusion] When the ratio of non-host plants was relatively small in mixed leaves, non-host had less impact on olfactory responses of T. yunnanensis. As the proportion of non-hest leaves gradually increased, the attractive rate of leaf mixtures to T. yunnanensis was gradually small. The results could provide reference for determination of mixed ratio in construction of mixed forest and the de- velopment of botanical attractive and repellent of T. yunnanensis.

仿生嗅觉传感技术及在电力设备状态检测中的应用前景综述

电气设备的安全运行对电力系统的稳定性十分重要。近年来,仿生嗅觉传感技术是国内外研究的热点,仿生嗅觉传感技术已经成功应用于食品检验、检疫、搜救等领域。该技术也可以用于检测电气设备的缺陷或故障,通过检测电气设备金属导体及气、液或固态绝缘介质散发出的特有气味分子,进而识别设备的缺陷或故障,并可以同时联合视觉与听觉进行诊断分析。文中首先概述了仿生嗅觉传感技术的发展历程,阐述了三代仿生嗅觉传感技术的原理、技术特征和研究进展,并对其应用场景和发展方向进行了探讨。其次,从气、液、固3种状态绝缘介质的故障识别角度,对当前电力设备中的气体检测技术进行了总结与分析,提出了仿生嗅觉传感技术的适用场景和优势。最后,结合仿生嗅觉传感技术的发展和研究方向,对仿生嗅觉传感技术未来的应用前景和关键问题进行了分析,提出了未来仿生嗅觉传感技术的研究展望。

基于嗅脑关联途径探讨嗅觉障碍和认知障碍相关性研究进展

认知障碍指与学习记忆及思维判断有关的大脑加工过程中出现的异常表现而引起学习、记忆障碍,同时伴有失语或失用或失认或失行等改变的病理过程,对患者本身、家庭以及社会都有很大的影响,与多种疾病相关且与嗅觉障碍密切联系。早期对认知障碍干预性的治疗有助于延缓病情发展,文章主要从嗅觉和认知的关系加以综述,以期为认知障碍的防治提供新的途径和思路。

Histological Structure Difference of Dog's Olfactory Bulb Between Different Age and Sex

The purpose of this article is to detect sex and age difference in the structure of the olfactory bulb in dogs by histological methods. The thickness of the olfactory bulbs layers and its main cells were analyzed comparatively with the methods of HE-staining and statistics, through which we studied the development course of dogs＇ olfactory bulb and the structural differences which affect the olfaction in both males and females. The results showed that between both male and female juveniles and adult males and females, the difference in thickness of each layer is not significant. But the difference in quantity of mitral cells between adult males and females was significant. Meanwhile, the structure of every layer in juvenile dogs was apparent while the volume and the weight of adult dogs＇ olfactory bulb and each layer＇s width increased significantly. On the other hand, the density of each layer＇s cells decreased apparently. Our results demonstrated that the olfactory bulb developed with age, and the apparent differences in morphology and quantity of mitral cells between males and females may be one of the reasons leading to the sexual variations of olfactory sensitivity.

Changes of Spontaneous Electrical Activities of Olfactory Bulb in Bufo gargarizans during Postembryonic Development

Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of spontaneous electrical activities of olfactory bulb in Bufo gargarizans during postembryonic development. [Method] Microelectrode technique was used to record extracellular spontaneous electrical activities of olfactory bulb in B. gar-garizans. [Result] Along with the development of olfactory bulb, the discharge types increased gradual y. Single spontaneous firing enhanced gradual y and it reached the maximum in the metamorphosis phase. The intensity of consecutive single sponta-neous firing changed slightly at the middle of post-embryonic development, but it was stil higher than in the early phase and the adult phase. Consecutive burst spontaneous firing frequency went down over time. [Conclusion] Along with the de-velopment of olfactory bulb, the neuronal excitability increases step by step and the neuronal electrical activities diversify gradualy.

嗅觉感知下园林植物气味类型、浓度对人生理心理的影响

【目的】明晰园林植物气味类型和浓度对人身心健康的影响,探究气味刺激下生理反应与主观感受之间的契合度,为后续园林植物气味的人体健康效应研究指标选择提供参考,为科学健康的嗅景营造提供理论依据。【方法】以秋季嗅景中常见的桂花花朵、银杏外种皮为气味材料,分别代表积极、消极2种气味类型,通过预试验设定低、高2种气味浓度水平,采用COSMOS XP-329ⅢR便携式气味传感器制备低浓度和高浓度桂花、低浓度和高浓度银杏4组气味材料。招募52名大学生参与试验,采用ErgoLAB、Emotiv Epocx测定其生理指标,以愉悦度量表、熟悉度量表、气味强度量表及气味情绪量表(ScentMove?问卷)收集其主观感知及情绪指标。通过方差分析、非参数检验比较气味类型和浓度对各身心指标的影响差异,再以斯皮尔曼等级相关分析法检验生理指标与心理指标之间的相关性。【结果】1)前测气味强度受气味浓度和类型的影响显著(P<0.05、P<0.01),后测气味强度仅受气味类型影响显著(P<0.05)。2)ScentMove?问卷的六大情绪指标(感性、放松、幸福、能量、怀旧、厌恶)受气味浓度影响均不显著(P>0.05),但受气味类型影响均显著(P<0.01);愉悦度与六大情绪中的感性、放松、幸福、能量和怀旧显著正相关(P<0.01),与厌恶显著负相关(P<0.01);气味熟悉度与幸福、放松、怀旧和能量显著正相关(P<0.01),与厌恶显著负相关(P<0.05);气味强度与六大情绪指标相关性不显著。3)皮肤电导水平(SCL)、平均心率(AVHR)、全部正常窦性心搏间期的标准差(SDNN)、全程相邻正常窦性心搏间期差值的均方根(RMSSD)受气味浓度影响不显著(P>0.05),受气味类型影响显著(P<0.01);α脑波受气味类型和浓度影响均不显著(P>0.05);θ脑波、低频β(βL)脑波、高频β(βH)脑波受气味浓度影响显著(P<0.05、P<0.01、P<0.05),受气味类型影响不显著(P>0.05);γ脑波则受气味类型、气味类型与气味浓度交互作用的影响显著(P<0.05、P<0.01)。4)在生理指标中,心率变异性的低频与高频能量比(LF/HF)、θ脑波、βL脑波、βH脑波、γ脑波与心理指标的契合度最高。【结论】在主观层面上,不同气味类型的强度感知阈值不同,嗅闻时长会影响人们的气味感知能力;情绪受浓度影响不显著,愉悦度感知是影响情绪体验的主要因素。在生理层面上,自主神经系统对气味浓度不敏感,对积极气味、消极气味反应明显;脑波信号则对气味浓度敏感度较高,高浓度气味会明显抑制脑波活动。总体来看,θ脑波、低频β脑波、高频β脑波、γ脑波、心率变异性的低频与高频能量比(LF/HF)可作为情绪效价研究的有效生理指标。

嗅觉经济视角下日化行业的发展——以留香珠为例

随着日化行业的高质量发展,“嗅觉”已然走在前列。在诸多日化产品中,留香珠是“嗅觉经济”的新秀,并大步迈向佼佼者的行列。以数款留香珠为研究对象,从其香味出发,对日化行业的发展进行简要剖析。在此基础上,分析了留香珠产品中最流行的玫瑰香型的组成成分,对比了不同产地的成分差异。为业内从业人员在进行产品开发、品牌建设等时提供参考,希望可以助力日化行业的高质量发展。

Combined Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells and Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Improves the Motor Function of Rats with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the effects of combined transplantation of neural stem cells （NSC） and olfactory ensheathing cells （OEC） on the motor function of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods In three days after a rat model of caudate nucleus hemorrhage was established, NSCs and OEC, NSC, OEC （from embryos of Wistar rats） or normal saline were injected into bematomas of rats in combined transplantation group, NSC group, OEC group, and control group, respectively. Damage of neural function was scored before and in 3, 7, 14, 30 days after operation. Tissue after transplantation was observed by immunocytochemistry staining. Results The scores for the NSC, OEC and co-transplantation groups were significantly lower in 14 and 30 days after operation than in 3 days after operation （P〈0.05）. The scores for the NSC and OEC groups were significantly lower than those for the control group only in 30 days after operation （P〈0.05）, while the difference for the NSC-OEC group was significant in 14 days after operation （P〈0.05）. Immunocytochemistry staining revealed that the transplanted OEC and NSC could survive, migrate and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The number of neural precursor cells was greater in the NSC and combined transplantation groups than in the control group. The number of neurons differentiated from NSC was significantly greater in the co-transplantation group than in the NSC group. Conclusion Co-transplantation of NSC and OEC can promote the repair of injured tissue and improve the motor fimction of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation improves sympathetic skin responses in chronic spinal cord injury

Forty-three patients with chronic spinal cord injury for over 6 months were transplanted with bryonic olfactory ensheathing cells, 2-4 × 106, into multiple sites in the injured area under the sur-gical microscope. The sympathetic skin response in patients was measured with an electromyo-graphy/evoked potential instrument 1 day before transplantation and 3-8 weeks after trans-tion. Spinal nerve function of patients was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. The sympathetic skin response was elicited in 32 cases before olfactory en-sheathing celltransplantation, while it was observed in 34 cases after transplantation. tantly, sympathetic skin response latency decreased significantly and amplitude increased cantly after transplantation. Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells also improved American Spinal Injury Association scores for movement, pain and light touch. Our findings indicate that factory ensheathing celltransplantation improves motor, sensory and autonomic nerve functions in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng on immature neuroblasts in the adult olfactory bulb following global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

The main active components extracted from Panax notoginseng are total saponins. They have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, increase cerebral blood flow, improve neurological behavior, decrease infarct volume and promote proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the hippocampus and lateral ventricles. However, there is a lack of studies on whether total saponins of Panax notoginsertg have potential benefits on immature neuroblasts in the olfactory bulb following ischemia and reperfusion. This study established a rat model of global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion using four-vessel occlusion. Rats were administered total sa- ponins of Panax notoginseng at 75 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 minutes after ischemia then once a day, for either 7 or 14 days. Total saponins of Panax notoginseng enhanced the number of dou- blecortin （DCX）＋ neural progenitor ceils and increased co-localization of DCX with neuronal nuclei and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding/DCX＋ neural progenitor cells in the olfactory bulb at 7 and 14 days post ischemia. These findings indicate that following global brain ischemia/reperfusion, total saponins of Panax notoginseng promote differentiation of DCX＋ cells expressing immature neuroblasts in the olfactory bulb and the underlying mechanism is related to the activation of the signaling pathway of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein.

Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation in 106 patients with old spinal cord injury Differences in ages,sexes,disease courses,injured types and sites

BACKGROUND： It has been demonstrated that the transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cell （OEC） can promote the recovery of neurological function through ameliorating the local internal environment in spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the recent efficacy of OEC transplantation on old spinal cord injury. DESIGN： A self-controlled experiment. SETTING： Department ofNeurosurgery, Taian Rongjun Hospital of Shandong Province. PARTICIPANTS： Totally 106 inpatients with old spinal cord injury were selected from the Department of Neurosurgery, Taian Rongjun Hospital of Shandong Province from June 2004 to December 2006, including 97 males and 9 females. Inclusive criteria： ① Complete data; ② Informed with the fact; ③No further recover neurological function after drug therapy （neurotrophic factor, GM-1）, traditional Chinese medicine, physiotherapy and rehabilitative exercises; ④ No obvious compression of the injured spinal cord displayed by MRI examination. METHODS： ① The olfactory bulb was obtained from embryo of induced labor in middle pregnancy above 4 months supplied voluntarily by pregnant women, and the survived cells after purification and culture for 1 - 2 weeks were collected. Dura mater was incised by posterior approach, then the cultured OEC suspension was transplanted to corresponding regions by means of multi-target injection using microscope. ② The patients were evaluated for twice with the standards suggested by American Spinal Injury Association （ASIA） at admission and 2 - 4 weeks postoperatively, in order to investigate the efficacy in different age groups, different sites and at different time points after the OEC transplantation. ③ Standards for evaluation： The International Standard for Neurological and Functional Classification of Spinal Cord Injury set by ASIA： The highest score of motor function was 100 points; The highest score of sensory function was 112 points for light touch and 112 for acupuncture sense. Frankel grading modified by ASIA in 1992： grades A, B, C, D and E （grade A for complete injury, and grade E for normal）. ④ The data were statistically processed by Professor Cheng from the Department of Statistics, Taishan Medical College. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Changes of motor and sensory functions postoperatively. RESULTS： All the 106 patients with old spinal cord injury were involved in the analysis of results. Grade A （n =72） at admission recovered to grade B in 31 cases and grade C in 7 cases after operation; Grade B （n =9） recovered to grade C in 2 cases; Grade C （n =15） recovered to grade D in 4 cases; Grade D （n =10） recovered to grade E in 1 cases, which referred to normal sensory and motor functions. The scores of motor, tactile sensation and pain sensation postoperatively were all obviously higher than those at admission （t =5.381, 7.036, 7.775, P 〈 0.05）. The recovery of motor function had obvious difference among patients of different ages （F =5.235, P =0.001）. There were no obvious differences in the recovery of motor and sensory functions among patients of different sexes, courses, injured types and sites. CONCLUSION： The neurological function can be ameliorated in a short time after OEC transplantation in patients with old spinal cord injury. The efficacy is generally the same in patients of different sexes, courses, injured types and sites, but there are differences in the effects on motor function of patients of different ages.