Ultrastructure Changes Of Olfactory Epithelium Of The Patients With Olfactory Disorders Caused By The Common Cold

Objective : The study focus on olfactory changes post upper respiratory infection disease, through observation of nasal mucosa and it' s ultrastructural changes to analysis the main reason of olfactory disorder .Methods : Olfactory testing was performed by an odor threshold and identification test ( T&T olfactometry ) .The specimens of olfactory epithelium ( OE )were obtained from 10 patients with anosmia or olfactory disorder post upper respiratory infection , and 3 biopsy specimens were obtained from the olfactory region of normal person ,all specimens obtained under endoscope .Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of each group . Result : Under the TEM , the surface ultrastructure of the OE from patients showed some abnormal changes : 1 normal epithelium structural characteristics are maintained but clearance between cells appears more wider . 2 olfactory vesicles are reduced obviously ,even if the olfactory vesicles are existed .olfactory cilia are reduced . some olfactory vesicles changed their shape due to vacuolization . 3. surface microvillus of the supportingcells disappeared . 4. the nuclei of supporting cell changed the shape or karyopyknosis .olfactory dentrites are shorter and wider than normal , organelles are reduced . Conclusion : There is close relationship between ultrastructural changes and olfactory disorders post upper respiratory infection . Reduced olfactory vesicles cilia and disappeared microvillus of the supporting cells are the main reasons for the patient' s olfactory disorder .