The integrity of the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract is essential for the normal functioning of the olfactory system

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Vaz, RP (Author) FMUP; Armando Cardoso (Author) FMUP; Sa, SI (Author) FMUP; Pereira, PA (Author) FMUP; Madeira, MD (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Brain Structure and Function

Vol. 222

Pages: 3615-3637

ISSN: 1863-2653

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-Q6Z

DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1422-2

Abstract (EN): The nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT) is a relatively small component of the cortical pallial amygdala, with peculiar neurogenic, neurochemical and connectivity patterns. Although it has been suggested that it might be involved in non-pheromonal olfactory-guided behaviors, particularly feeding, the functional implications of the nLOT have never been investigated. In view of this fact, we have tackled this subject by performing a series of behavioral tests and by quantifying biological and biochemical parameters in sexually na < ve adult male rats that were submitted to bilateral excitotoxic lesions of the nLOT. nLOT-lesioned rats had severe olfactory deficits with inability to detect and discriminate between odors. Additionally, they did not display innate behavioral responses to biologically relevant chemosignals. Specifically, nLOT-lesioned rats did not show avoidance towards predator odors or aggressive behaviors towards intruders, and had severely impaired sexual behavior. In fact, nLOT lesions abolished preference for odors of receptive females, reduced chemoinvestigatory behavior and eliminated mounting behavior. nLOT-lesioned rats had normal circulating levels of testosterone, did not display anxiety- or depressive-like behaviors, and had unimpaired cognitive functions and fear acquisition and memory. Altogether, our results suggest that the nLOT integrity is required for the normal functioning of the olfactory system.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 23