Cell Mediated Neural Defense Against Pathogen within Olfactory Neuroepithelium of Fish

Abstract Objective: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare, malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory neuroepithelium in the upper nasal cavity. Even more rare is ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma developing from the region outside the olfactory epithelium. In addition, tumors occurring in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are uncommon, and the endoscopic transnasal approach for the resection of malignant tumors in this region is also uncommon. Clinical Presentation: We describe an esthesioneuroblastoma arising from the left maxillary sinus and PPF. The tumor was resected using the endoscopic transnasal approach, followed by treatment with radiotherapy. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence 12 months postoperatively. Technique: The endoscopic transnasal approach could be successfully used for the complete removal of malignant tumors in the PPF. Conclusion: The PPF is an anatomic area that is difficult to access. The endoscopic transnasal approach improves access and visualization; it also has the potential to reduce complications compared with the open approach. The endoscopic transnasal approach might become the treatment of choice for malignant tumors in the PPF.

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COVID-19-related anosmia is associated with viral persistence and inflammation in human olfactory epithelium and brain infection in hamsters

Science Translational Medicine ◽

10.1126/scitranslmed.abf8396 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. eabf8396

Author(s):

Guilherme Dias de Melo ◽

Françoise Lazarini ◽

Sylvain Levallois ◽

Charlotte Hautefort ◽

Vincent Michel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Olfactory Epithelium ◽

Cell Types ◽

Brain Infection ◽

Olfactory Neuroepithelium ◽

Optimal Medical Management ◽

Infected Cells ◽

Multiple Cell ◽

Lung Pathogenesis ◽

Taste Dysfunction

Whereas recent investigations have revealed viral, inflammatory and vascular factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 lung pathogenesis, the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in COVID-19 remains poorly understood. Olfactory and taste dysfunction are common in COVID-19, especially in mildly symptomatic patients. Here, we conducted a virologic, molecular, and cellular study of the olfactory neuroepithelium of seven patients with COVID-19 presenting with acute loss of smell. We report evidence that the olfactory neuroepithelium may be a major site of SARS-CoV2 infection with multiple cell types, including olfactory sensory neurons, support cells, and immune cells, becoming infected. SARS-CoV-2 replication in the olfactory neuroepithelium was associated with local inflammation. Furthermore, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 induced acute anosmia and ageusia in golden Syrian hamsters, lasting as long as the virus remained in the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb. Finally, olfactory mucosa sampling from patients showing long-term persistence of COVID-19-associated anosmia revealed the presence of virus transcripts and of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, together with protracted inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 persistence and associated inflammation in the olfactory neuroepithelium may account for prolonged or relapsing symptoms of COVID-19, such as loss of smell, which should be considered for optimal medical management of this disease.

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