Correlation of functional alteration with lesion extent after olfactory bulbectomy in rats.

The effect of unilateral versus bilateral olfactory bulbectomy on ability to smell was studied behaviorally (food finding task) in two groups of rats. The trained animals in the first group were unilaterally and in the second group bilaterally bulbectomized. After 6 days of postoperative recovery the rats were retested in the same task. The unilaterally bulbectomized rats showed no significant changes in their smelling. After complete bilateral bulbectomy the significant failure to retrieve the hidden food has been observed. However, even small olfactory bulb remnants provided significant preservation of smelling. Histological findings also confirmed the obtained behavioral results.