Cytochrome oxidase staining marks dendritic zones of the rat olfactory bulb external plexiform layer

Molecular characterization of projection neuron subtypes in the mouse olfactory bulb

Projection neurons (PNs) in the mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) receive input from the nose and project to diverse cortical and subcortical areas. Morphological and physiological studies have highlighted functional heterogeneity, yet no molecular markers have been described that delineate PN subtypes. Here, we used viral injections into olfactory cortex and fluorescent nucleus sorting to enrich PNs for high-throughput single nucleus and bulk RNA deep sequencing. Transcriptome analysis and RNA in situ hybridization identified distinct mitral and tufted cell populations with characteristic transcription factor network topology, cell adhesion, and excitability-related gene expression. Finally, we describe a new computational approach for integrating bulk and snRNA-seq data and provide evidence that different mitral cell populations preferentially project to different target regions. Together, we have identified potential molecular and gene regulatory mechanisms underlying PN diversity and provide new molecular entry points into studying the diverse functional roles of mitral and tufted cell subtypes.

Topographically Distinct Projection Patterns of Early-Generated and Late-Generated Projection Neurons in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

In the mouse brain, olfactory information is transmitted to the olfactory cortex via olfactory bulb (OB) projection neurons known as mitral and tufted cells. Although mitral and tufted cells share many cellular characteristics, these cell types are distinct in their somata location and in their axonal and dendritic projection patterns. Moreover, mitral cells consist of heterogeneous subpopulations.

In the mouse brain, olfactory information is transmitted to the olfactory cortex via olfactory bulb (OB) projection neurons known as mitral and tufted cells. Although mitral and tufted cells share many cellular characteristics, these cell types are distinct in their somata location and in their axonal and dendritic projection patterns. Moreover, mitral cells consist of heterogeneous subpopulations. We have previously shown that mitral cells generated at different embryonic days differentially localize within the mitral cell layer (MCL) and extend their lateral dendrites to different sublayers of the external plexiform layer (EPL). Here, we examined the axonal projection patterns from the subpopulations of OB projection neurons that are determined by the timing of neurogenesis (neuronal birthdate) to understand the developmental origin of the diversity in olfactory pathways. We separately labeled early-generated and late-generated OB projection neurons using in utero electroporation performed at embryonic day (E)11 and E12, respectively, and quantitatively analyzed their axonal projection patterns in the whole mouse brain using high-resolution 3D imaging. In this study, we demonstrate that the axonal projection of late-generated OB projection neurons is restricted to the anterior portion of the olfactory cortex while those of the early-generated OB projection neurons innervate the entire olfactory cortex. Our results suggest that the late-generated mitral cells do not extend their axons to the posterior regions of the olfactory cortex. Therefore, the mitral cells having different birthdates differ, not only in cell body location and dendritic projections within the OB, but also in their axonal projection pattern to the olfactory cortex.

Subpopulations of Projection Neurons in the Olfactory Bulb

Generation of neuronal diversity is a biological strategy widely used in the brain to process complex information. The olfactory bulb is the first relay station of olfactory information in the vertebrate central nervous system. In the olfactory bulb, axons of the olfactory sensory neurons form synapses with dendrites of projection neurons that transmit the olfactory information to the olfactory cortex. Historically, the olfactory bulb projection neurons have been classified into two populations, mitral cells and tufted cells. The somata of these cells are distinctly segregated within the layers of the olfactory bulb; the mitral cells are located in the mitral cell layer while the tufted cells are found in the external plexiform layer. Although mitral and tufted cells share many morphological, biophysical, and molecular characteristics, they differ in soma size, projection patterns of their dendrites and axons, and odor responses. In addition, tufted cells are further subclassified based on the relative depth of their somata location in the external plexiform layer. Evidence suggests that different types of tufted cells have distinct cellular properties and play different roles in olfactory information processing. Therefore, mitral and different types of tufted cells are considered as starting points for parallel pathways of olfactory information processing in the brain. Moreover, recent studies suggest that mitral cells also consist of heterogeneous subpopulations with different cellular properties despite the fact that the mitral cell layer is a single-cell layer. In this review, we first compare the morphology of projection neurons in the olfactory bulb of different vertebrate species. Next, we explore the similarities and differences among subpopulations of projection neurons in the rodent olfactory bulb. We also discuss the timing of neurogenesis as a factor for the generation of projection neuron heterogeneity in the olfactory bulb. Knowledge about the subpopulations of olfactory bulb projection neurons will contribute to a better understanding of the complex olfactory information processing in higher brain regions.

Distribution and classification of the extracellular matrix in the olfactory bulb

Extracellular matrix (ECM) became an important player over the last few decades when studying the plasticity and regeneration of the central nervous system. In spite of the established role of ECM in these processes throughout the central nervous system (CNS), only few papers were published on the ECM of the olfactory system, which shows a lifelong plasticity, synaptic remodeling and postnatal neurogenesis. In the present study, we have described the localization and organization of major ECM molecules, the hyaluronan, the lecticans, tenascin-R and HAPLN1 link protein in the olfactory bulb (OB) of the rat. We detected all of these molecules in the OB showing differences in the molecular composition, staining intensity, and organization of ECM between the layers and in some cases within a single layer. One of the striking features of ECM staining pattern in the OB was that the reactions are shown dominantly in the neuropil, the PNNs were found rarely and they exhibited thin or diffuse appearance Similar organization was shown in human and mice samples. As the PNN limits the neural plasticity, its rare appearance may be related to the high degree of plasticity in the OB.

Prep1 Deficiency Affects Olfactory Perception and Feeding Behavior by Impairing BDNF-TrkB Mediated Neurotrophic Signaling

Prep1 is a homeodomain transcription factor which has an important role in hindbrain development. Prep1 expression is also kept in adult mouse brain and in particular within the olfactory bulbs. Moreover, many Prep1 neurons co-localize with Calbindin-positive periglomerular interneurons in olfactory glomerular layer. However, Prep1 function in this brain region is still unknown. In this study, we show that Prep1 hypomorphic heterozygous (Prep1^i/+) mice express low levels of protein and feature a 30% reduction of olfactory bulb area, compared to WT mice. In addition, Prep1^i/+ mice olfactory bulb histological analysis indicated a 20% lower cytochrome C oxidase activity within the glomerular layer, accompanied by a reduced number of periglomerular interneurons, compared to the WT littermates. Consistently, olfactory perception test highlighted that Prep1 hypomorphic heterozygous mice display a scant ability to distinguish odors, which significantly impacts on feeding behavior, as Prep1^i/+ mice revealed a reduced preference for high-fat food. Analysis of BDNF signaling, which represents the main molecular mediator of olfactory plasticity, showed that Prep1^i/+ mouse olfactory bulbs feature a 30% reduction of TrkB receptor levels and a decreased activation of ERK1/2. Similarly, overexpression of Prep1 in mouse neuronal cells (N2A) caused an increase of TrkB expression levels, BDNF-induced ERK phosphorylation, and cell viability, compared to control cells. We conclude that Prep1 deficiency alters olfactory morpho-functional integrity and olfaction-mediated eating behavior by affecting BDNF-TrkB signaling. Prep1 could, therefore, play a crucial role in behavioral dysfunctions associated to impaired responsiveness to BDNF.

Architecture of a mammalian glomerular domain revealed by novel volume electroporation using nanoengineered microelectrodes

Dense microcircuit reconstruction techniques have begun to provide ultrafine insight into the architecture of small-scale networks. However, identifying the totality of cells belonging to such neuronal modules, the "inputs" and "outputs," remains a major challenge. Here, we present the development of nanoengineered electroporation microelectrodes (NEMs) for comprehensive manipulation of a substantial volume of neuronal tissue. Combining finite element modeling and focused ion beam milling, NEMs permit substantially higher stimulation intensities compared to conventional glass capillaries, allowing for larger volumes configurable to the geometry of the target circuit. We apply NEMs to achieve near-complete labeling of the neuronal network associated with a genetically identified olfactory glomerulus. This allows us to detect sparse higher-order features of the wiring architecture that are inaccessible to statistical labeling approaches. Thus, NEM labeling provides crucial complementary information to dense circuit reconstruction techniques. Relying solely on targeting an electrode to the region of interest and passive biophysical properties largely common across cell types, this can easily be employed anywhere in the CNS.

Bulk regional viral injection in neonatal mice enables structural and functional interrogation of defined neuronal populations throughout targeted brain areas

The ability to label and manipulate specific cell types is central to understanding the structure and function of neuronal circuits. Here, we have developed a simple, affordable strategy for labeling of genetically defined populations of neurons throughout a targeted brain region: Bulk Regional Viral Injection (BReVI). Our strategy involves a large volume adeno-associated virus (AAV) injection in the targeted brain region of neonatal Cre driver mice. Using the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) as a model system, we tested the ability of BReVI to broadly and selectively label tufted cells, one of the two principal neuron populations of the OB, in CCK-IRES-Cre mice. BReVI resulted in labeling of neurons throughout the injected OB, with no spatial bias toward the injection site and no evidence of damage. The specificity of BReVI labeling was strikingly similar to that seen previously using immunohistochemical staining for cholecystokinin (CCK), an established tufted cell marker. Hence, the CCK-IRES-Cre line in combination with BReVI can provide an important tool for targeting and manipulation of OB tufted cells. We also found robust Cre-dependent reporter expression within three days of BReVI, which enabled us to assess developmental changes in the number and laminar distribution of OB tufted cells during the first three postnatal weeks. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BReVI permits structural and functional imaging in vivo, and can be combined with transgenic strategies to facilitate multi-color labeling of neuronal circuit components. BReVI is broadly applicable to different Cre driver lines and can be used to regionally manipulate genetically defined populations of neurons in any accessible brain region.

Segregated labeling of olfactory bulb projection neurons based on their birthdates

Mitral and tufted cells are the projection neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB). We previously reported that somata location and innervation patterns were different between early- and late-born mitral cells (Imamura et al., 2011). Here, we introduced a plasmid that drives the expression of a GFP gene into the mouse OB using in utero electroporation, and demonstrated that we can deliver the plasmid vectors into distinct subsets of OB projection neurons by changing the timing of electroporation after fertilisation. The electroporation performed at embryonic day (E)10 preferentially labeled mitral cells in the accessory OB and main OB mitral cells in dorsomedial mitral cell layer (MCL). In contrast, the E12 electroporation introduced the plasmid vectors preferentially into main OB mitral cells in the ventrolateral MCL and tufted cells. Combining these data with BrdU injections, we confirmed that E10 and E12 electroporation preferentially labeled early- and late-born projection neurons, respectively. This work introduces a novel method for segregated labeling of mouse olfactory bulb projection neurons based on their birthdates. With this technique we found that early- and late-born projection neurons extend their secondary dendrites in the deep and superficial external plexiform layer (EPL), respectively. Although a similar segregation has been suggested for mitral vs. tufted cell dendrites, we found mitral cells projecting secondary dendrites into the superficial EPL in E12-electroporated main OB. Our observations indicate that timing of neurogenesis regulates not only somata location and innervation patterns but also the laminar organisation of projection neuron dendrites in the EPL.

Cellular and molecular cues of glucose sensing in the rat olfactory bulb

In the brain, glucose homeostasis of extracellular fluid is crucial to the point that systems specifically dedicated to glucose sensing are found in areas involved in energy regulation and feeding behavior. Olfaction is a major sensory modality regulating food consumption. Nutritional status in turn modulates olfactory detection. Recently it has been proposed that some olfactory bulb (OB) neurons respond to glucose similarly to hypothalamic neurons. However, the precise molecular cues governing glucose sensing in the OB are largely unknown. To decrypt these molecular mechanisms, we first used immunostaining to demonstrate a strong expression of two neuronal markers of glucose-sensitivity, insulin-dependent glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), and sodium glucose co-transporter type 1 (SGLT1) in specific OB layers. We showed that expression and mapping of GLUT4 but not SGLT1 were feeding state-dependent. In order to investigate the impact of metabolic status on the delivery of blood-borne glucose to the OB, we measured extracellular fluid glucose concentration using glucose biosensors simultaneously in the OB and cortex of anesthetized rats. We showed that glucose concentration in the OB is higher than in the cortex, that metabolic steady-state glucose concentration is independent of feeding state in the two brain areas, and that acute changes in glycemic conditions affect bulbar glucose concentration alone. These data provide new evidence of a direct relationship between the OB and peripheral metabolism, and emphasize the importance of glucose for the OB network, providing strong arguments toward establishing the OB as a glucose-sensing organ.

Neuronal organization of olfactory bulb circuits

Olfactory sensory neurons extend their axons solely to the olfactory bulb, which is dedicated to odor information processing. The olfactory bulb is divided into multiple layers, with different types of neurons found in each of the layers. Therefore, neurons in the olfactory bulb have conventionally been categorized based on the layers in which their cell bodies are found; namely, juxtaglomerular cells in the glomerular layer, tufted cells in the external plexiform layer, mitral cells in the mitral cell layer, and granule cells in the granule cell layer. More recently, numerous studies have revealed the heterogeneous nature of each of these cell types, allowing them to be further divided into subclasses based on differences in morphological, molecular, and electrophysiological properties. In addition, technical developments and advances have resulted in an increasing number of studies regarding cell types other than the conventionally categorized ones described above, including short-axon cells and adult-generated interneurons. Thus, the expanding diversity of cells in the olfactory bulb is now being acknowledged. However, our current understanding of olfactory bulb neuronal circuits is mostly based on the conventional and simplest classification of cell types. Few studies have taken neuronal diversity into account for understanding the function of the neuronal circuits in this region of the brain. This oversight may contribute to the roadblocks in developing more precise and accurate models of olfactory neuronal networks. The purpose of this review is therefore to discuss the expanse of existing work on neuronal diversity in the olfactory bulb up to this point, so as to provide an overall picture of the olfactory bulb circuit.

Two distinct olfactory bulb sublaminar networks involved in gamma and beta oscillation generation: a CSD study in the anesthetized rat

A prominent feature of olfactory bulb (OB) dynamics is the expression of characteristic local field potential (LFP) rhythms, including a slow respiration-related rhythm and two fast alternating oscillatory rhythms, beta (15-30 Hz) and gamma (40-90 Hz). All of these rhythms are implicated in olfactory coding. Fast oscillatory rhythms are known to involve the mitral-granule cell loop. Although the underlying mechanisms of gamma oscillation have been studied, the origin of beta oscillation remains poorly understood. Whether these two different rhythms share the same underlying mechanism is unknown. This study uses a quantitative and detailed current-source density (CSD) analysis combined with multi-unit activity (MUA) recordings to shed light on this question in freely breathing anesthetized rats. In particular, we show that gamma oscillation generation involves mainly the upper half of the external plexiform layer (EPL) and superficial areas of granule cell layer (GRL). In contrast, the generation of beta oscillation involves the lower part of the EPL and deep granule cells. This differential involvement of sublaminar networks is neither dependent on odor quality nor on the precise frequency of the fast oscillation under study. Overall, this study demonstrates a functional sublaminar organization of the rat OB, which is supported by previous anatomical findings.

Marked recovery of functional metabolic activity and laminar volumes in the rat hippocampus and dentate gyrus following postnatal hypothyroid growth retardation: A quantitative cytochrome oxidase study

Similar to cretinism in human children, absence or deficiency of thyroid hormones in rats and mice during early postnatal development results in marked retardation of brain development along with behavioral and cognitive deficits. Less is known about brain recovery from postnatal hypothyroidism. [Farahvar, A., Meisami, E., 2007. Novel two-dimensional morphometric maps and quantitative analysis reveal marked growth and structural recovery of the rat hippocampal regions from early hypothyroid retardation. Experimental Neurology.] found, by means of morphometric maps, that surface areas of hippocampal cortex and its CA1-CA4 regions which were significantly reduced in developing hypothyroid rats, show nearly complete growth recovery upon restoration of thyroid function. Here we explore the ability of hippocampal synapse-rich neuronal fiber layers to show recovery from early hypothyroid growth retardation. Rat pups were made hypothyroid from birth to day 25 (weaning) or up to young adulthood (day 90) by a treatment with the reversible goitrogen, PTU (n-propylthiouracil), in the drinking water. Recovery was induced by withdrawal of PTU at weaning and analysis of cytochrome oxidase (CytOx)-stained serial sections of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus at the ages of 25 and 90 days. CytOx stains the synapse-rich fiber layers of the hippocampal formation (HCF). Volumetric growth of molecular layer, stratum oriens and radiatum and dentate hilar region showed complete or nearly complete recovery from marked and significant growth retardation induced by early postnatal hypothyroidism. Also the reduced CytOx staining intensity in the hypothyroid rat HCF layers showed marked recovery following hormonal restoration. Results indicate remarkable growth plasticity of the HCF and ability of the synapse-rich fiber layers to show complete recovery of metabolic and functional neural activity from deleterious effects of early hypothyroidism. Mitochondrial CytOx is highly localized to the synapse-rich fiber layers of the HCF and its activity and histochemical staining intensity correlates positively with functional metabolic activity of neural tissue. Thus hippocampus and dentate gyrus neuronal fiber layers and their oxidative activity show remarkable ability to recover from the postnatal hypothyroid growth retardation. The results indicate that some brain regions are less vulnerable to early developmental insults and can recover.

Cytochrome oxidase staining reveals functionally important activity bands in the olfactory epithelium of newborn rat

We used cytochrome oxidase (CytOx) staining intensity, which is correlated with neuronal functional activity, to evaluate maturity and functionality of newborn rat olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Nasal olfactory tissue of neonatal rats was stained with CytOx and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results revealed that newborn OE shows six differentially stained horizontal bands. Bands run parallel to the OE surface and were categorized as very light, medium or darkly stained. A narrow and pale Band 1 overlapped with horizontal basal cells. Next, a wide and lightly stained Band 2 was observed that coincides with the globose basal cell layer and immature ORNs, deep in OE. Next apically, a medium-staining Band 3 overlapped with ORN perikarya. Closer to the surface, a medium to light Band 4 was discerned where dendrites of mature ORNs normally occur. This band was interrupted with lighter areas due to the presence of supporting cells nuclei. Next, a superficial but dark Band 5 occurred, populated by the apical portions of ORN dendrites and their ciliated knobs and by supporting cell apices; mitochondria in apices of supporting cells contribute predominantly to dense staining of this Band 5. Apical to Band 5, a thin and fairly light Band 6 was observed which overlaps with the mucus layer that contains part of the ORN knobs, their cilia and supporting cell microvilli. Along the length of ORN dendrites, apical segments just below the ORN knobs, and wide basal segments showed a darker staining than the middle segments implying "microzones" of higher neural activity within the most apical and basal regions of dendrites. Our findings agree with ultrastructural studies showing a presence of mitochondria in knobs, basal portions of ORN dendrites and in OE supporting cell apices, suggesting that apical regions of both olfactory and supporting cells near the surfaces are metabolically most active, in odorant detection, signal processing, and detoxification, the latter for supporting cells.

Cytochrome oxidase activity in the olfactory system of staggerer mutant mice

The staggerer mutation is characterized by the disruption of a single recessive gene encoding for the nuclear hormone receptor RORalpha. In addition to the well-studied gene expression in the cerebellum causing massive primary Purkinje cell loss, the RORalpha gene is also expressed in the thalamus and the olfactory bulb. A quantitative histochemical study of cytochrome oxidase activity was performed in staggerer mutants and their respective controls in order to determine whether olfactory bulb neuropathology leads to neuronal metabolic alterations in olfactory and related limbic regions. In the staggerer olfactory bulb, the core and the shell of the glomeruli had lower levels of cytochrome activity, whereas higher levels were found in the external plexiform and granular layers. Other olfactory and limbic regions were unchanged, except for a higher level in the accessory olfactory bulb and a lower level in the most ventral part of the medial orbital cortex. These results are discussed with regard to the olfactory deficits and changes in social interactions previously observed in this mutant.

Developmental changes in cytochrome oxidase histochemistry in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of embryonic and neonatal garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis spp.)

Developmental studies examining the changes in oxidative metabolic activity are useful for understanding how and if the vomeronasal and olfactory systems respond to stimulation during embryogenesis. Garter snakes are good candidates for examining the potential functionality of the vomeronasal system in utero. In adult garter snakes, the vomeronasal system mediates many behaviors. Neonatal garter snakes exhibit these same behaviors, and the vomeronasal system has been shown to mediate feeding behavior in neonates. Using cytochrome oxidase histochemistry, we examined changes in the oxidative metabolic activity of main and accessory olfactory bulbs of embryonic and neonatal garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis and T. s. parietalis). Cytochrome oxidase staining is greater in the accessory olfactory bulb than in the main olfactory bulb of embryonic garter snakes. However, neonates show no differences in the staining of the accessory and main olfactory bulbs, suggesting a change in the stimulation of the main olfactory bulb after birth. This is the first report of cytochrome oxidase histochemistry in reptiles and in the vomeronasal system of embryonic vertebrates.

Immunohistochemical analyses of the human olfactory bulb

These studies explore the distribution of putative neuroactive peptides in the human olfactory bulb. Localization of synaptophysin-, serotonin-, cholecystokinin-, substance P-, and somatostatin-like staining was examined by immunocytochemical protocols. The results provide new insights into the composition and laminar segregation of subpopulations of neurons and neuronal processes in the human olfactory bulb. The prominent synaptophysin-like immunoreactivity observed in the glomeruli of the human olfactory bulb is consistent with the notion that the density of synapses, and hence the density of synaptic vesicles, is highest in the glomeruli. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity suggested a variable innervation of glomeruli ranging from a dense tangled ball of fibers within the glomerulus to a sparse innervation by a single immunoreactive fiber. There was no evidence of serotonin-like immunoreactive cell bodies in either the olfactory bulb proper, anterior olfactory nucleus, or proximal regions of the lateral olfactory tract. Cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity was limited to fibers found largely in the juxtaglomerular region of the glomerular layer. In the deeper layers of the olfactory bulb, cholecystokinin-like immunoreactive fibers did not show any of branching or arborization that was evident in the juxtaglomerular region. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was seen in varicose fibers distributed in all of the human olfactory bulb laminae. In addition, stained multipolar neurons were found in the area of the anterior olfactory nucleus. Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was similar to that of substance P in that a plexus of stained fibers was found in all laminae of the olfactory bulb. Also, somatostatin-like immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the area of the anterior olfactory nucleus. However, as compared to substance P, somatostatin had a less dense plexus of immunoreactive fibers in the olfactory bulb. These results increase our understanding of the fundamental organization of the human olfactory system. The current data, coupled with prior studies, provide a foundation from which to study the cellular pathology of diseases with known olfactory system sequelae such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.

Morphometry of rat olfactory bulbs stained for cytochrome oxidase reveals that the entire population of glomeruli forms early in the neonatal period

Cytochrome oxidase staining selectively highlights the synapse-rich neuropil of olfactory bulb glomeruli. Detailed morphometric enumeration of glomeruli in cytochrome oxidase-stained sections from postnatally developing rats reveals that the entire adult population of glomeruli (2400/bulb) forms early in life, the process being complete by days 3-5 postnatal. Newborn's glomeruli range in diameter from a mean of about 50 microns to a maximum of about 70 microns and undergo a 3-fold increase in diameter and a 20-fold increase in volume during days 1-50 postnatal. The presence of the entire adult's glomeruli in the neonate calls for a serious revision of some current views on glomerular development and, given the critical roles of glomeruli as modules, the findings bear important implications for the organization of olfactory system and early development of olfactory functions.

Functional organization of the main olfactory bulb

Complete understanding of the role of the mammalian main olfactory bulb in sensory processing has remained elusive despite many detailed studies on its anatomy and physiology. Several lines of recent evidence viewed in the context of earlier knowledge have provided new insights into the bulbar mechanisms of olfactory coding. The output cells of the olfactory bulb receive a localized olfactory nerve input and interneuronal input via dendrodendritic synapses on distinct sets of dendrites. The spatial arrangement of granule cell contacts on output cell basal dendrites suggests that lateral inhibitory interactions may occur between neighboring output cells. The input from olfactory receptor cell axons to the bulb also has spatial order, but does not represent a precise map of the receptor surface. Recent studies with antibodies and lectins suggest that different groups of axons from chemically similar receptor cells collect into certain glomeruli, even if the axons originate from cells that are not contiguous in the mucosa. Electrophysiological studies have begun to explore the participation of spatially organized circuits in olfactory processing. The degree to which neighboring output cells respond similarly to odor stimulation, for example, depends on the distance between the cells, with those further apart showing complementary responses. Also, a single output cell can show 2 or more different temporal response patterns when different odors are presented. Intracellular recordings indicate that these responses are shaped by IPSPs. Electrical stimulation during such recordings shows that some mitral cells are excited by nerve inputs close to their glomerular tufts, while they are inhibited by nerve inputs to other parts of the bulb. Finally, recordings from granule and periglomerular cells indicate their potential in mediating components of output cell odor responses. These considerations suggest that the olfactory bulb performs a spatially based analysis on the information coming from the receptor cells. While the spatial organization of the olfactory bulb is probably not faithfully represented in the projections to the olfactory cortex, bulbocortical projections are not random. The fact that spatial factors exist at each of these levels in the olfactory system must be considered in developing models of central olfactory processing.

Unilateral naris closure and vascular development in the rat olfactory bulb

The blood supply to the brain has been linked closely to nervous system function and metabolism, thereby possibly playing a direct role in brain maturation. Previously, we demonstrated that closure of an external naris early in life results in large changes within the olfactory bulb, including reductions in laminar volume and cell number and a rapid decline in metabolism and protein synthesis. To understand the role of the blood supply in the dramatic changes following naris closure, the present study examines the development of olfactory bulb vasculature in unilaterally odor-deprived and control rats. On post-partum day 1 (P1; the day after birth), littermate rat pups underwent either unilateral naris occlusion or sham surgery. On P5, P10, P15, P20, P30 and P60, animals were perfused with an india ink-gelatin mixture to assess blood vessel amount and complexity. Densitometric analyses were performed to obtain values of blood vessel area ratios (vessel area/tissue area), branch point number and branch point density. Considerable vessel development in all bulbs occurred over the first two to three weeks post-partum. By P20, large reductions in vessel area ratios were observed in all constituent laminae of deprived bulbs. While similar reductions in number of vessel branch points/tissue area were seen, few changes were noted in the number of branch points/vessel area. The effects were primarily confined to early developmental periods: bulb vasculature in animals deprived at older ages (P40) appeared normal. The results indicate that the vasculature responds to alterations in sensory stimulation early in life, therefore potentially playing an important regulative role in neural development.

Serial reconstructions of granule cell spines in the mammalian olfactory bulb

The morphology of olfactory bulb granule cell spines and their dendrodendritic synaptic relations with mitral and tufted cell dendrites were examined using serial electron micrographs and 3D computer reconstructions. Most granule cell spines were pedunculated with large elliptical heads and necks (stems) longer than those described for exclusively postsynaptic spines elsewhere in the nervous system. The spines typically contained a mitochondrion, which most likely reflects the metabolic requirements of the presynaptic functions of these spines. In several cases multiple spine heads were observed connected to the parent dendritic trunk via a common neck. In addition, dendritic varicosities making synaptic connections were noted. In the data set sampled, all of the reconstructions supported the hypothesis of divergence of granule cell connectivity: in no instance was a granule cell found to contact repeatedly the same mitral or tufted cell dendrite. Examination of the topological organization of reciprocal dendrodendritic synaptic connections with mitral/tufted cell dendrites revealed parallel rows of spine heads on mitral/tufted secondary dendrites separated by intervening zones of several microns in which no synaptic appositions were found. The results provide evidence regarding rules of connectivity underlying the function of local circuits in mediating lateral inhibition in the external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb.

Involvement of specific placental antigen X-P2 in rat olfaction: an immunohistochemical study in the olfactory bulb

Human placental antigen X-P2 (hPAX-P2), an antigen complex associated with cytochrome P-450 of aromatase within estrogen synthesizing tissues, has been reported to be present in a distinct group of rat primary olfactory receptors involved in suckling behavior. In this study, most of the mitral and tufted cells in the rat olfactory bulb were found to possess hPAX-P2 immunoreactivity. This suggests that the activity of these cells can be hormonally modulated and that hPAX-P2 is involved in rat olfaction not only at the receptor level but also at integrative brain levels via the secondary projecting neurons of the olfactory pathway.

Long-distance fiber outgrowth from the heterotopically transplanted olfactory bulb in the rat

An embryonic olfactory bulb was heterotopically inserted and allowed to mature in young adult rat brains. The projection of the transplanted olfactory bulb to the host brain was examined by injections of peroxidase-labeled wheatgerm agglutinin into the host olfactory bulb (and anterior olfactory nucleus). Neurite elongation to the host olfactory area occurred most frequently from the transplant which had been inserted into the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle and fused medially with the lateral septum in host brains with no detectable damage of host olfactory connections. Transplants in the septum, olfactory tubercle, nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band, or anterior piriform cortex also showed the projection to the host olfactory area. These results indicate that the transplanted olfactory bulb projection neurons have potent abilities to detect the target and project to it even if there is a considerable distance (2-5 mm).

Cytochrome oxidase: an endogenous metabolic marker for neuronal activity

The brain is composed of a heterogeneous population of neurons whose physiological characteristics often elude morphological identification. The tight coupling between neuronal activity and oxidative energy metabolism forms the basis for the use of cytochrome oxidase as an endogenous metabolic marker for neurons. In the past decade, cytochrome oxidase histo- and cytochemistry have provided a window to view the regional, cellular and subcellular functional diversity among neurons. These methods have shown that the entire neuron is often not metabolically homogeneous; most of the oxidative activity is usually found in dendrites. They have also revealed the dynamic metabolic responses of developing and mature neurons to altered functional demands.