Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of Compound Betamethasone on the expression of olfactory marker protein(OMP) in murine injured olfactory mucosa by influenza virus. Method An animal model was produced by intranasal application of influenza virus to mice. Compound Betamethasone was respectively injected i.p.( 3.5mg/kg) on day 2 and day 4 after the insult. The expression of OMP was tested by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results The expression level of OMP was significantly downregulated in the olfactory mucosa of influenza virus control group 1 and influenza virus control group 2; the expression level of OMP was significantly upregulated in the olfactory mucosa of post-virus Compound Betamethasone group 1 and post-virus Compound Betamethasone group 2. Conclusion Compound Betamethasone can enhance The expression of OMP in the injured olfactory mucosa by influenza virus.

Key words: glucocorticoid, influenza virus, olfactory mucosa, olfactory marker protein