In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers found
that olfactory receptors in human skin play a significant role in skin healing.
Certain skin cells, called keratinocytes, harbor olfactory receptors (just like
in the human airway), and were found to respond to certain stimuli.
The researchers found that these keratinocytes expressed a
specific olfactory receptor called OR2AT4. In the lab, the cloned OR2AT4 samples
were responsive to Sandalore, a
synthetic sandalwood odorant. Sandalwood odorants were used due to their
prominent role in fragrances and aromatherapy. The cloned OR2AT4 receptors
mediated strong Ca2+
signals in the keratinocytes. In turn, the activation of the OR2AT4 receptors
also induced “a cAMP-dependent pathway and phosphorylation of extracellular
signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2) and p38 mitogen–activated protein kinases
(p38 MAPK)”.
The study also
demonstrated that prolonged stimulation of the OR2AT4 receptor with Sandalore
increased cell proliferation, migration, and regeneration of keratinocyte
monolayers; all of which are all involved in the wound healing process.
Since there are more
than 150 different types of olfactory receptors found in internal tissues such
as the heart, liver, and gut, this study lends insight into the possible
functionality of these receptors. It also provides scientific backing to
aromatherapy and the biological role of scents.
sources:
http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/jid2014273a.html
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40463/title/Human-Skin-Can--Smell--Odors/
Hi, Joshua! I think you're post touches on a really authentic and interesting topic. First off, I had no idea that there were even olfactory receptors in our skin. That is so cool! I have to ask if there were any other odorants used in studies of skin healing that you could find? It makes me wonder if there are other possible scents out there that could inhibit the complex process of skin healing. Additionally, I found a journal article (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15813994) that helps to support your topic. The study focused on the various beneficial effects of aromatherapy and topical scented oils on inflammation, edema, and neutrophil accumulation in skin. The study primarily used germanium oils in addition to lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, and juniper scents with positive results. Great job on your topic/post!
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting area that this post hints at is the idea of pheromones. Other than the Vomeronasal Organ, this study could revolutionize the field of pheromone research. Do you think that these skin receptors would react to pheromones in the same way that it did to sandalore? Could the human love hormone also help in healing? This would be an interesting study that could possibly revolutionize the reason as to why humans are monogamous.
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