The olfactory system responds to the chemical information in the environment, by modulating the behavioral and neuroendocrine responses of the animal.  Damages to this system can induce different effects.
The olfactory bulbectomy is an animal model of depression, in fact causes changes at the behavioral level (in the locomotor activity, aggressiveness, learning, sleep and sexual behaviour), neurochemical (norepinephrine and serotonin), endocrine (hormonal changes) and immunological (lymphocytes,  monocytes).
Our experiments aim at elucidating the role of olfactory areas (mucosa, bulb, amygdala) in the modulation of different behavioral tracts. In addition, also the neurochemical changes induced  by agents or different treatment are investigated in these areas.