« Previous AbstractDynamics of changes in coplanar and indicator PCB in sewage sludge during mesophilic methane digestion    Next AbstractIdentifying volatile in vitro biomarkers for oral bacteria with proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry »

Anat Rec

Title:		"Comparative morphology and histochemistry of glands associated with the vomeronasal organ in humans, mouse lemurs, and voles"
Author(s):		Roslinski DL; Bhatnagar KP; Burrows AM; Smith TD;
Address:		"School of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057, USA"
Journal Title:		Anat Rec
Year:		2000
Volume:		260
Issue:		1
Page Number:		92 - 101
DOI:		10.1002/1097-0185(20000901)260:1<92::AID-AR100>3.0.CO;2-#
ISSN/ISBN:		0003-276X (Print) 0003-276X (Linking)
Abstract:		"The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure of the vertebrate nasal septum that has been recently shown to exist in nearly all adult humans. Although its link to reproductive behaviors has been shown in some primates, its functionality in humans is still debated. Some authors have suggested that the human VNO has the capacity to detect pheromones, while others described it as little more than a glandular pit. However, no studies have utilized histochemical techniques that would reveal whether the human VNO functions as a generalized gland duct or a specialized chemosensory organ. Nasal septal tissue from 13 humans (2-86 years old) were compared to that of two adult lemurs (Microcebus murinus) and eight adult voles (four Microtus pennsylvanicus and four Microtus ochrogaster). Sections at selected intervals of the VNO were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB), AB-PAS, and PAS-hematoxylin procedures. Results revealed typical well-developed VNOs with tubuloacinar glands in Microtus and Microcebus. VNO glands were AB-negative and PAS-positive in voles and mouse lemurs. Homo differed from Microtus and Microcebus in having more branched, AB and PAS-positive glands that emptied into the VNO lumen. Furthermore, the human VNO epithelium had unicellular mucous glands (AB and PAS-positive) and cilia, similar to respiratory epithelia. These results demonstrate unique characteristics of the human VNO which at once differs from glandular ducts (e.g., cilia) and also from the VNOs of mammals possessing demonstrably functional VNO"
Keywords:		"Adolescent Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Animals Arvicolinae/*anatomy & histology/*metabolism Cheirogaleidae/*anatomy & histology/*metabolism Child Child, Preschool Histocytochemistry Humans Middle Aged Serous Membrane/anatomy & histology/metabolism Vomero;"
Notes:		"MedlineRoslinski, D L Bhatnagar, K P Burrows, A M Smith, T D eng Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2000/09/01 Anat Rec. 2000 Sep 1; 260(1):92-101. doi: 10.1002/1097-0185(20000901)260:1<92::AID-AR100>3.0.CO; 2-#"