Regeneration of the vallate papilla in the rat with special reference to the origin of the taste bud-bearing epithelium

Abstract

The regeneration of the vallate papilla in the rat was studied by both light and electron microscopy. The papillae were excised and regeneration was studied at time intervals of 3 to 45 days. It was found that the vallate papilla is capable of regeneration after both partial and total papillectomies. The regenerated papillae were asymmetrical in shape. Several invaginations, independent of one another, were the equivalent of the original sulcus. Regeneration of the gustatory system occurred at circumscribed portions of the associated Von Ebner glands. The amounts of newly formed taste buds were proportional to the amount of nerve fibers in the subepithelial plexus. The regenerated taste buds showed normal histochemical and fine-structural characteristics. The results support the contention of some degree of specificity concerning the epithelium where taste bud regeneration occurs.

Glycoconjugate in Rat Taste Buds.

“…Taste buds of circumvallate papilla and posterior region of foliate papillae were innervated by the cranial nerve IX and those of epiglottis were innervated by the cranial nerve X in the rat [14]. These cranial nerves have crucial roles for the development, maintenance and regeneration of the taste buds in the rat [3,4,11,13,15,24].The glycoconjugates on the surface of taste bud cells were involved in chemosensory regulation in olfactory cilia of the channel catfish [5]. The carbohydrate components in the taste buds of circumvallate papillae were detected by lectin histochemistry in the Syrian hamster [16].…”

“…Taste buds of circumvallate papilla and posterior region of foliate papillae were innervated by the cranial nerve IX and those of epiglottis were innervated by the cranial nerve X in the rat [14]. These cranial nerves have crucial roles for the development, maintenance and regeneration of the taste buds in the rat [3,4,11,13,15,24].…”