Odorant-binding protein and its mRNA are localized to lateral nasal gland implying a carrier function

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1988 Apr;85(7):2383-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.85.7.2383.

Abstract

Odorant-binding protein selectively binds various odorants and is discretely concentrated in nasal mucosa and secretions. We have localized rat odorant-binding protein mRNA to the lateral nasal gland by in situ hybridization histochemistry and have also localized the protein to this gland by immunohistochemistry and by tritiated-odorant autoradiography. The lateral nasal gland extends a long duct toward the external nares. Odorant-binding protein, released from this duct, may transport odorants to olfactory receptor neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Male
  • Nasal Cavity / analysis*
  • Nasal Mucosa / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Odorant*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Odorant
  • odorant-binding protein