Differential gene expression profiles of the olfactory bulb after nasal obstruction in neonatal rats.

OBJECTIVE

Microarray technique is a useful tool to identify functional gene candidates. In this study, we evaluated the gene expression profiles in the olfactory bulbs of normal rats and naris-occluded rats using the gene microarray technique.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

To induce atrophic change in the olfactory bulb, we performed a unilateral nasal obstruction by electronic cauterization on postnatal day 1 rats. Differential gene expression profiles of the nasal obstruction group and the normal control group at postnatal day 35 were analyzed with a DNA microarray.

RESULTS

Microarray revealed 41 genes that were upregulated at least 2-fold in the nasal obstruction group compared with the control group. Among these upregulated genes, increased expression levels of 20 functional genes were confirmed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSION

This study examines candidate genes associated with the development, apoptosis, and signal transduction of the olfactory bulb. These results may explain the fact that blockage of airflow by inflammation and nasal polyps causes deprivation of olfactory functions in vivo.