The
olfactory neuroepithelium, which lines the posterior nasal cavity, is exposed to a wide range of
odorants and airborne toxic compounds. Odorants, which are mostly small
lipophilic molecules, enter the
mucus flow and reach the
odorant receptors on
sensory neurons. Odorant sensing is generally a transient process, requiring an effective signal termination, which could be provided by biotransformation of the odorant in the epithelial supporting cells.
Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the
olfactory epithelium have been suggested to catalyze inactivation and facilitate elimination of odorants. == References ==