Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Mediate Neuroplastic Mechanisms After Olfactory Training in Mouse Model

Background Several studies have reported beneficial effects of olfactory training (OT) on the olfactory nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the regeneration of the olfactory system induced by OT are still under investigation. Objectives To determine the key mechanisms involved in the olfactory system recovery and to assess the neuroplastic effects of OT. Methods Thirty healthy female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to 4 groups: control, n = 6; anosmia (no treatment), n = 8; OT, n = 8; and steroid treatment; n = 8. Except for the control group, mice were administered 3-methylindole. Anosmia was assessed using a food-finding test (FFT). The olfactory neuroepithelium was for histological examinations, gene ontology with pathway analyses, RNA, and protein studies. Results FFT was significantly reduced at 3 weeks in the OT mice versus steroids (78.27 s vs 156.83 s, P