Physiological role of basal forebrain cholinergic system in the blood flow regulation of the olfactory bulb

DOI
  • Uchida Sae
    Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 嗅球の血流調節における前脳基底部コリン作動性神経系の役割

Search this article

Abstract

<p>The cholinergic neurons originating in the basal forebrain send projections to the neocortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb that contribute to cognition, memory, and olfactory function, respectively. These cholinergic projections to the neocortex and the hippocampus act as vasodilator nerves similar to autonomic nerves. We have recently examined the role of cholinergic projections to the olfactory bulb in blood flow regulation. The cholinergic input to the olfactory bulb releases acetylcholine, but the amount of acetylcholine is less than half of that of the neocortex, and does not influence the regional blood flow in the olfactory bulb. In contrast, the odor-induced increase response of the olfactory bulb blood flow is potentiated by activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This indicates that cholinergic transmission enhances olfactory sensitivity in the olfactory bulb. Cholinergic dysfunction may cause the olfactory dysfunction known as an early symptom of dementia.</p>

Journal

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top