Objective: To study the expression of apoptosis related genes, Bcl-2, bax, and iNOS in the olfactory epithelium of mice infected with influenza virus, and to discuss how they regulate apoptosis of the olfactory sensory neurons.
Method: The expression levels of apoptosis related genes were detected with semi-quantity RT-PCR.
Result: (1) The expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA remain relatively constant after virus inoculation; (2) The expression levels of bax mRNA increased massively, and decreased gradually; (3) The expression levels of iNOS mRNA increased significantly in a short period, and then fell down to the undetectable level gradually.
Conclusion: The apoptosis related genes, Bcl-2, bax, and iNOS may play important roles in regulation of apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons of mice infected with influenza virus.