The Vomeronasal Organ of Jacobson in the Human Embryo and Fetus

Kreutzer, Erik W.; Jafek, Bruce W.

doi:10.1177/019459988008800203

Cited by 35 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…The VNO, including the vomeronasal nerve and associated ganglion cells, is first recognizable around week 8 after ovulation (Kreutzer and Jafek 1980). Results of the present study suggest an even earlier appearance because a well-developed VNO was present already after 8 weeks.…”

Section: Human Developmentsupporting

confidence: 52%

On the chemosensory nature of the vomeronasal epithelium in adult humans

Witt

Georgiewa

Knecht

et al. 2002

Histochem Cell Biol

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In contrast to many lower vertebrates, the vomeronasal epithelium (VNE) in humans has long been regarded as absent or functionally irrelevant. For example, the neural connection between the VNE and the accessory olfactory bulb has been reported to degenerate during the second half of pregnancy and its presence has not been demonstrated in adults. Further, reports on the organ's occurrence in adult humans have been contradictory. The aims of this study were to collect immunohistochemical data on the neurogenic or epithelial character of the VNE [for example, with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), olfactory marker protein (OMP), beta-tubulin, and cytokeratin], determine its proliferative capacity (for example, proliferating cell nuclear antigen), as well as to examine the differentiation activity of VNE cells and their interactions with extracellular matrix components (for example, hyaluronan receptor CD44, galectins, and caveolin). To this end, we studied the vomeronasal organs (VNOs) of 22 human cadavers, three adult biopsies, one embryo (week 8) and one fetus (week 13) by means of immunohistochemistry. The histology of the VNE appeared extremely heterogeneous. There were sections of stratified, respiratory, and typical "pseudostratified" vomeronasal epithelia consisting of slender bipolar cells. Mostly negative immunohistochemical results for OMP indicated that the human VNE does not function like the mature olfactory epithelium. In addition, the investigations did not support the hypothesis that neural connections between the VNE and central brain structures might be present. On the other hand, the presence of some bipolar cells positive for both PGP 9.5 and soybean lectin (SBA) pointed to a neuron-like activity of a small subset of VNE cells. Proliferation antigens located in the nuclei of basally located cells of the VNE were not regularly expressed. However, positive reactions for CD44 demonstrated a high activity of VNE cells in terms of differentiation and migration. Some bipolar cells showed immunoreactivity for caveolin indicating its possible role in signal transduction and differentiation. In summary, the reaction patterns of most antibodies in the adult human VNE are different from those obtained in the olfactory epithelium and the VNO of the rat. However, the VNE shows a specific pattern of activity unique to the mucosa of the nasal cavity. Considering the histologically well differentiated epithelium and its steady maintenance, the VNE of the adult human appears to be a highly differentiated structure the function of which remains unclear.

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Section: Human Developmentsupporting

confidence: 52%

On the chemosensory nature of the vomeronasal epithelium in adult humans

Witt

Georgiewa

Knecht

et al. 2002

Histochem Cell Biol

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“…] The groove deepens and, at about stage 19, it closes dorsoventrally to form a tube ( fi g. 9 a), leaving only a narrow ventral communication with the nasal cavity [Keibel, 1912;Kreutzer and Jafek, 1980;Brown, 1987;Kjaer and Fischer Hansen 1996a;Boehm and Gasser, 1993].…”

Section: The Vomeronasal Organmentioning

confidence: 99%

Olfactory Structures in Staged Human Embryos

Müller¹,

OʼRahilly²

2004

Cells Tissues Organs

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The olfactory region was investigated in 303 serially sectioned human embryos, 23 of which were controlled by precise graphic reconstructions. The following findings in the embryonic period are new for the human. (1) The nasal plates arise at the neurosomatic junction, as do also the otic placodes. (2) Crest comes from the nasal plates later (stage 13) than the maximum production in the neural folds (stage 10). (3) The crest arises and migrates during a much longer time (at least until the end of the embryonic period) than the neural crest of the head, where origin and migration end at stage 12. (4) Olfactory nerve fibres enter the brain at stage 17, the vomeronasal fibres and those of the nervus terminalis at stages 17 and 18. (5) Fibre connections between the olfactory tubercle and the olfactory bulb, as well as those to the amygdaloid nuclei, forebrain septum, and hippocampus, develop during and after stage 17. (6) Mitral cells appear late in the embryonic period. (7) Localized, although incomplete, lamination of the olfactory bulb is detectable at the embryonic/fetal transition. (8) Tangential migratory streams of neurons, from stage 22 to the early fetal period, proceed from the subventricular zone of the olfactory bulb towards the future claustrum; they remain within the insular region but are separated from the cortical plate. (9) In future cebocephaly morphological indications may be visible as early as stage 13. The various findings are integrated by means of staging, and current information for the fetal period is tabulated from the literature.

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“…A human VNO and associated nerve bundle are clearly visible during embryonic-fetal growth in histological sections (Bossy, 1980;Kjaer and Fischer Hansen, 1996;Kreutzer and Jafek, 1980;Labella and Ciges, 1975;Nakashima, et al, 1985c;O'Rahilly et al, 1988;Ortmann, 1989;Pearson, 1942;Smith et al, 1997;Stensaas et al, 1991). Also during this period, an AOB with incoming vomeronasal nerves has been documented (Chuah and Zheng, 1987;Humphrey, 1940).…”

Section: Human Vns During Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%