Drops to restore the sense of smell
Stem cells restored the ability of mice to smell
A decrease in the ability to smell is not uncommon. The reasons can be very different: old age, viral diseases, head injuries, hereditary disorders.
Let us briefly recall how the perception of odors works. Specialized epithelial cells of the nasal cavity (olfactory sensorineural cells) capture molecules of substances. When the receptor and the substance that it "feels" occur, nerve impulses arise. They are transmitted along the olfactory nerves to the so–called olfactory bulbs – special structures of the brain - and through them to the olfactory centers in the cerebral cortex. This is the final and main point where the information received from the olfactory organ – the nose - is analyzed.
The deterioration of the ability to perceive odors is often irreversible and the methods of treating this problem, unfortunately, do not differ in variety and effectiveness. In addition, they work only for certain diseases and are useless in other cases.
The approach proposed by American scientists to restore the sense of smell with the help of stem cells is likely to be able to help resume this important function for humans, regardless of the causes of the disorders.
"We were interested in testing the idea of whether stem cell treatment could replace lost olfactory epithelial cells," says Bradley Goldstein, lead author of the new study from the Leonard Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
To test their assumptions, Goldstein and colleagues used genetically modified laboratory mice. Animals could not smell: genetic changes significantly reduced the number of so-called cilia on the surface of olfactory sensorineural cells. These cilia are very important for the normal "catching" of odors.
Scientists have tried to restore the sense of smell to experimental animals by instilling drops containing basal cells into their nasal cavity. In essence, these are olfactory epithelial stem cells. Their task is to replenish aged or damaged olfactory cells.
Experts assumed that by introducing such cells from the outside, they would be able to "grow" new full-fledged functional olfactory sensorineural epithelial cells in the nasal cavity.
After the therapy, the mice underwent an olfactory test. It turned out that animals treated with stem cells react to an unpleasant smell. At the same time, their untreated genetically modified counterparts showed no signs of sensitivity.
Three weeks after the introduction of the drops, the scientists killed the animals and examined the olfactory epithelium of the "patients" under a microscope. So, they found that the stem cells turned into olfactory and began to take root.
It is important to note that no signs of tumor development were detected in animals throughout the study. This means that such treatment is potentially safe. According to the scientists, they were also surprised that such a simple method of administration turned out to be so effective.
Goldstein and his colleagues believe that in order to effectively use such a method in humans, it is necessary first of all to find a source of cells that could be "transplanted" in this way. It is also necessary that these cells can turn into olfactory sensory cells and form a qualitative connection with olfactory nerves.
"This is the first experiment that proved the possibility of recovery with stem cell treatment. It is very important to understand that many more issues need to be resolved before applying the method to people. However, the experiment proved that it is worth conducting further research in this direction," he said Goldstein to Medical Xpress.
Scientists have already planned new experiments. Now experts want to determine the causes of acquired olfactory disorders in humans. According to them, this way they will be able to better understand how to help patients and whether stem cell treatment will work in humans as well.
The results of the scientific work are published in the open access journal Stem Cell Reports (Kurtenbach et al., Cell-Based Therapy Restores Olfactory Function in an Inducible Model of Hyposmia).
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