EFFECTS OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF STEROIDS ON OLFACTORY DISTURBANCE IN MICE

The effects of topically applied steroids on the repairing course of olfactory disorders caused experimentally by zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) were investigated in mice. The olfactory capacity of mice was estimated by examining the records of successful performance of a behavioural task, using cycloheximide. which is commonly used as a repellent in rodents. Two bottles were offered to the mouse, one containing a 0.01% aqueous solution of cycloheximide and the other distilled water, and the rate of selection of distilled water (correct response) was sought. Then, 24 animals received nasal irrigation with a ZnSO4 solution. Subsequently, half of them (n = 12) were treated with topically applied beta-methasone (Rinderon), and the other half with topically applied Ringer's solution for 5 days. Five days after the ZnSO4 treatment, the percentage of correct responses in the first group improved. However, the response in the second group showed no improvement. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), was observed in the recovery period between the two groups. Destruction after ZnSO4 treatment and recovery after Rinderon application were studied histologically