Figure 1.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can be obtained from either the olfactory mucosa lining the upper nasal epithelium, or the olfactory bulb within the cranial cavity of rodents.

OECs can be obtained from the same sites in humans. The olfactory mucosa is the preferred source as it is easily accessible in humans, however the numerous cell types can lead to cultures of lower purity. In contrast, the olfactory bulb is a rich source of OECs with fewer contaminating cells, but requires invasive surgery that can lead to permanent loss of the sense of smell and is therefore not a suitable source for human therapies.