Mineralocorticoid receptors in the mammalian olfactory mucosa

Citation
Am. Robinson et al., Mineralocorticoid receptors in the mammalian olfactory mucosa, ANN OTOL RH, 108(10), 1999, pp. 974-981
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Otolaryngology,"da verificare
Journal title
ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY
ISSN journal
00034894 → ACNP
Volume
108
Issue
10
Year of publication
1999
Pages
974 - 981
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-4894(199910)108:10<974:MRITMO>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid hormones regulate secretion and absorption in a wide vari ety of epithelial tissues, although specific mechanisms in the olfactory mu cosa are currently unknown. Utilizing reverse transcription-polymerase chai n reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, we have demonstrated the expression of minera locorticoid (type I) receptor messenger RNA in the rodent olfactory mucosa. Ampli fication products of predicted size were obtained with nucleotide se quences corresponding to respective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) kidney transcripts. Immunocytochemistry, using an antibody with known specificity for MRs, was then utilized in order to localize the cellular site(s) of MR protein expression in the olfactory mucosa. The highest levels of MR immuno reactivity were localized to the supranuclear region of sustentacular cells , as well as the acinar cells of the Bowman's glands. The respiratory regio ns of the nasal cavity were devoid of appreciable MR immunoreactivity. This study demonstrates both MR transcript and protein expression in the olfact ory mucose. We hypothesize that the mineralocorticoid hormones may have a r ole in modulation of olfactory secretion and/or sensory transduction in the peripheral olfactory system.