Chapter 14 - Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

Abstract

This chapter reviews the biology of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), an interesting and unusual glial cell; and focuses, in particular, on its myelinating properties and potential for transplant-mediated repair of CNS demyelination. The peripheral olfactory system, within which OECs reside, comprises a main component and an accessory component called the vomeronasal organ. The peripheral olfactory system consists of the olfactory epithelium, the olfactory nerve, and the nerve fiber layer of the olfactory bulb. Throughout their passage from the lamina propria to the nerve fiber layer, the axons of the olfactory nerve are ensheathed by OECs. The OECs within the olfactory nerve are sometimes referred to as olfactory-nerve ensheathing cells (ONECs), while those in the nerve fiber layer are sometimes referred to as olfactory-bulb ensheathing cells (OBECs). Moreover, OEC's interactions with astrocytes and their potential clinical applications are also discussed. The use of transplanted OECs to promote axon regeneration after traumatic injury of the CNS has received considerable attention recently.