Abstract:

Objective     To study the expression of neuro-specific enolase(NSE),  ofactory marker protein（OMP）and  apoptosis in the development of olfactory mucosa of mouse fetuses. Methods      Expressions of NSE and OMP in the olfactory mucosa of the different embryonic stages（day 13 to 21）were determined using immunohistochemical technique. The Tdt-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling technique (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic cells of the olfactory epithelium in different embryonic stages and to caculate the apoplotic index. Results       NSE immunological positive reactions were seen in different embryonic stages from E13 to E21. Otherwise, few positive OMP cells were observed after E14,  after E15  OMP-positive neurons were noticeably increased in the olfactory epithelium and at E17, they reached the peak. The apoptotic process in the olfactory epithelium was observed form E13 to E21. At E13, the apoptotic cells were few and the AI was low. A massive wave of cell death was evidenced between E16 and E18.The apoptotic index of E16 was noticeably distinction from other embryonic stages. Conclusion      Olfactory receptor neurons of mouse fetuses became mature at E14 and the quantity was small. In the anaphase of the embryo, the olfactory epithelium was mature. The apoptotic process takes part in the development of the mouse olfactory epithelium and comes to a peak in E16. Apoptosis is an active process in the development of mouse olfactory epithelium.

Key words: Olfactory epithelium; Neurospecial endolase; Olfactory marker protein; Apoptotic body; Apoptotic index