Cell and Tissue Research

, Volume 154, Issue 1, pp 51–59 | Cite as

Freeze-fracture and tracer experiments on the permeability of the zonulae occludentes in the olfactory mucosa of vertebrates

  • H. Altner
  • I. Altner-Kolnberger
Article
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Summary

The junctional belt around the sensory cells in the nasal olfactory mucosa of the frog and in the vomeronasal organ of the mouse appears as a network of interconnected ridges in freeze-fracture replicas. Numerous open-ended ridges were observed and, consequently, open routes from the region below the junctional belt to that above it. Lanthanum nitrate permeates the junctional belt when administered from the surface of the epithelium as well as from the vascular system. When applied at a concentration of 1–3%, the tracer is deposited within the junctional belt forming facets which are visible in tangential sections. These facets correspond to the areas defined by the network or ridges seen in freeze-fracture replicas. Various aspects of these observations are discussed, such as the replacement of cells in the sensory epithelium, the stimulation of extrinsic fibers and the generation of a transepithelial potential.

Key words

Tight junctions Olfactory mucosa Lanthanum nitrate Freeze fracturing 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1974

Authors and Affiliations

  • H. Altner
    • 1
  • I. Altner-Kolnberger
    • 1
  1. 1.Fachbereich BiologieUniversität RegensburgGermany

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