The postnatal development of Masera's organ in the rat

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Abstract
Growth and fine-structural postnatal development of Masera's organ (MO) in the rat was studied. As with the olfactory epithelium proper (OEP) on the nasal septum, the area covered by MO increases during the first 3 weeks of life. The rate of increase in area of MO is the same as for the OEP on the nasal septum. Concomitant with the increase in overall area of MO, the complexity of the free neuroepithelial surface of MO increases. There is an increase in both the number of sensory cilia of receptor cells and microvilli of supporting cells. At 14 days and after sensory cilia are further characterized by the development of a thicker proximal and thinner distal part, and a parallel orientation at the free epithelial surface. The transition zone between the respiratory epithelium and the MO demonstrates additional developmental features during the first postnatal week. The results are suggestive of incomplete development of MO at birth and ongoing morphological maturation at least up to weaning. We conclude therefore that MO is not vestigial but is functional beyond weaning.