Temporary loss of smell during COVID-19 or cold fever is due to damaged Sustentacular cell
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| Loss of smell |
During a cold or fever, the loss of smell, known as anosmia, is often caused by inflammation of the nasal passages and congestion in the sinuses. The swelling and mucus buildup can block the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity, impairing the ability to detect scents. Additionally, viral infections that cause colds or fevers can directly damage the olfactory sensory neurons responsible for smelling. This disruption in the olfactory system leads to a temporary loss of smell perception. As the underlying infection resolves and inflammation subsides, the sense of smell typically returns to normal.
Supporting cell of neurons know as Sustentacular cell
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| Sustentacular cell |
Sustentacular cells, also known as supporting cells or sustentocytes, are a type of glial cell found in the nervous system, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. These cells play a crucial role in supporting and protecting neurons, the primary functional cells of the nervous system.
Sustentacular cells are primarily found in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity, where they provide structural support and nourishment to the olfactory sensory neurons responsible for detecting smells. In this location, they also help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances.
In addition to their supportive functions, sustentacular cells also play a role in regulating the extracellular environment around neurons. They can secrete various factors and molecules that help modulate the local environment, such as growth factors that promote neuron survival and proliferation.
Furthermore, sustentacular cells are involved in the process of phagocytosis, where they engulf and remove debris and pathogens to maintain a clean and healthy environment for neurons to function optimally.
Overall, sustentacular cells are essential for the proper functioning and health of neurons in the nervous system, demonstrating their importance in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and function.
Loss of smell during covid-19 is due to damage in the Sustentacular cell
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| Loss of smell |
In COVID-19, the loss of smell, known as anosmia, has been linked to damage to sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Sustentacular cells play a crucial role in supporting and protecting olfactory sensory neurons responsible for detecting smells. When the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the nasal cavity, it can infect sustentacular cells, leading to their damage or dysfunction.
The infection of sustentacular cells by the virus disrupts their ability to provide structural support and nourishment to olfactory sensory neurons. This can result in a loss of function in these neurons, leading to the inability to detect smells properly. Additionally, the damage to sustentacular cells may also impact their role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier integrity, potentially allowing harmful substances to reach the brain
The loss of smell in COVID-19 due to damaged sustentacular cells highlights the intricate relationship between these supporting cells and olfactory sensory neurons. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon is crucial for developing targeted treatments to restore smell function in affected individuals. Further research into the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and sustentacular cells may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for anosmia associated with COVID-19.
