Techniques to prevent olfactory nerve reconstitution in the pigeon.

Transectioned olfactory nerves in birds can reestablish structural and functional connections with the olfactory bulbs in comparatively short time spans, thereby hampering long-range studies of avian olfaction and behavior. Accordingly, techniques are described that are suitable for impeding the reconstitution of the olfactory nerve after its transection in the pigeon. These involve the use of inexpensive and easily obtainable materials including cotton pellets, glass beads, and polyethylene tubing.