Differential distribution of gamma-glutamyl cycle molecules in the vomeronasal organ of rats

Abstract

Molecules related to the gamma-glutamyl cycle, including thiols, glutathione (GSH) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) were identified histochemically and immunohistochemically in the vomeronasal organ of neonatal and adult rats. Thiols and GSH were distributed in the mucomicrovillar complex (MMC), vomeronasal receptor neurons and acinar cells of vomeronasal glands (VNG). gamma-GT was localized in the MMC and in the VNG, where it was associated mainly with the luminal surface of the acinar cells and ducts. The VNO of the neonates exhibited higher staining intensities for all compounds than that of the adults. The data indicate that components of the gamma-glutamyl cycle are present in the VNO and that they are secreted into mucus, where they may be associated with perireceptor events including clearance of pheromones and detoxification of xenobiotics.