Article Abstract:
The mechanism for olfactory discrimination in the channel catfish was investigated. A previous study has shown that the channel catfish olfactory epithelium possess a family of transmembrane olfactory receptors expressed in a selective manner by individual olfactory neurons. A topographic map developed via in situ hybridization methods showed the positions of olfactory neurons expressing different complements of olfactory receptors. The results showed that functionally distinct olfactory neurons are randomly distributed in the olfactory epithelium.
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Article Abstract:
The vomeronasal system is responsible for the detection of pheromones in mammals. These pheromones, which trigger off stereotyped behavioral responses that are unique to a species, are activated by genetically programmed neural pathways. Using gene targeting methods, it is shown that these pathways are made possible by the neural organization of vomeronasal system afferents. Results also indicate that the sensory neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb play a vital role in pheromone activation.
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Article Abstract:
A study of the genes encoding the olfactory receptors in the channel catfish is presented. The study protocol involved the isolation of olfactory receptor cDNA. The results revealed a family of genes which encode seven transmembrane receptors that show considerable homology with rat olfactory receptors. Expression of these genes is restricted to olfactory sensory neurons, and each receptor is expressed only in a a small population of neurons.
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