Background: The olfactory mucosa (OM) is crucial for odorant perception in the main olfactory system. The terminal carbohydrates of glycoconjugates influence chemoreception in the olfactory epithelium (OE). Objectives: The histological characteristics and glycoconjugate composition of the OM of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo, Bos taurus coreae) were examined to characterize their morphology and possible functions during postnatal development. Methods: The OM of neonate and adult Korean native cattle was evaluated using histological, immunohistochemical, and lectin histochemical methods. Results: Histologically, the OM in both neonates and adults consists of the olfactory epithelium and the lamina propria. Additionally, using periodic acid Schiff and Alcian blue (pH 2.5), the mucus specificity of the Bowman’s gland duct and acini in the lamina propria was determined. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that mature and immature olfactory sensory neurons of OEs express the olfactory marker protein and growth associated protein-43, respectively. Lectin histochemistry indicated that numerous glycoconjugates, including as N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, complex type N-glycan, and fucose groups, were expressed at varied levels in the different cell types in the OMs of neonates and adults at varying levels. According to our observations, the cattle possessed a well-developed olfactory system, and the expression patterns of glycoconjugates in neonatal and adult OMs varied considerably. Conclusions This is the first study to describe the morphological assessment of the OM of Korean native cattle with a focus on lectin histochemistry. The findings suggest that glycoconjugates may play a role in olfactory chemoreception, and that their labeling properties may be closely related to OM development and maturity.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant threat to patient health and a major concern during drug development. Recently, multiple circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be potential biomarkers for DILI. To adapt and validate miRNAs for clinical use, we investigated the time-course changes in miR-122 expression levels in an acetaminophen-induced liver injury model in rats. In addition, miR-155 and miR-21 were evaluated as makers of inflammation and regeneration, respectively, to characterize liver status. Our results revealed that miR-122 is an early and sensitive biomarker of hepatocellular injury at a stage when alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin were not detectable. However, no significant differences in the expression levels of other miRNAs (miR-155 and -21) were observed between treatment and vehicle groups. Collectively, these time-course changes in the expression levels of miRNAs may be useful as markers for clinical decision-making, in the diagnosis and treatment of DILI.
Acetaminophen/*toxicity ; Animals ; Biomarkers/*blood ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/*blood/*diagnosis/pathology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation/*drug effects ; Hepatocytes/*drug effects ; Inflammation/blood/diagnosis ; Liver Regeneration ; MicroRNAs/*blood/genetics ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Rats ; Time