Cell dynamics in the olfactory mucosa.

Abstract By means of ultrastructural and autoradiographic observations from the olfactory mucosa of frog, it has been shown that olfactory receptor neurons as well as supporting cells are continuously replaced during the adult life of the animal. The severing of the olfactory nerve in adult frogs results in rapid degeneration of all mature olfactory neurons. An increased mitotic activity of the basal cells accompanies the degeneration of the mature neurons and precedes the regeneration of new neurons. The capability of these newly formed neurons to re-establish their connections in the olfactory bulb has been ascertained and the modalities of the process will be dealt with in a further report.