Independent Study

Independent Study Summary

In the spring of 2013, I worked with a colleague with his senior composition. His project titled “The effects of vitamin A deficiency on Olfaction in Mice,” focused on the olfactory processes such as epithelial neurogenesis and olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) maturation from the basal layer. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin A deficiency in mice on ORN function via electrophysiological techniques like electroolfactograms (EOGs). During the senior composition, we were able to test fifty-two male and female age-matched B6 wild type mice. From January to April, I was able to find schedule and manage my time to get more research experience in the field of electrophysiology. Within the 5-6 weeks, I was able to help him with several experiments such as measuring the EOG amplitude value to each odorant for each experimental group of VAS1, VAD1, VAS2, VAD2, VAS3, VAD3, VAS4, VAD4, and VA0. I was able to help record the negative EOG amplitudes (mV) in response to odorant stimulation of the epithelium.

The odorants that were used in the experiments consisted of mineral oil, amyl acetate, propyl acetate, limonene, eucalyptol (1,8 cineole), and geraniol. These odorants were randomly exposed to the olfactory epithelium through series of injections into a clean air stream. Additionally, these odorants were delivered at increasing concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of total bias airflow. These odorants were randomized for each experiment to counteract any influences on the OE tissue dryness on EOG responses.

The electrophysiology during the experiment was pretty astonishing and diverse to me since my behavior study was composed of mice performances. I was able to learn and observe the magnificence of electrophysiology as Hudson would anesthetize, euthanize, decapitate, and then remove the brain tissue until the septum was visible. Soon after the surgical process, the EOGs were recorded at the medial surface...