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PubMed1998

Identification of two alpha-subunit species of GTP-binding proteins, Galpha15 and Galphaq, expressed in rat taste buds.

We cloned cDNAs for two G protein alpha-subunits belonging to the Galphaq family, each capable of activating PLCbeta, from rat tongue. One is a Galphaq in the narrow sense, and the other, termed rat Galpha15, is a rat counterpart of mouse Galpha15, sharing an amino acid sequence similarity of 94%. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis demonstrated that rat Galpha15 and Galphaq were distinctly expressed in tongue epithelia containing taste buds. Immunostaining also showed that rat Galpha15, together with the Galphaq, was localized mainly in taste buds. These studies suggest the possibility that these two Galpha proteins function for taste signal transduction in sensory cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1975

The occurrence of the cell type containing a specific monoamine in the taste bud of the rabbit's foliate papila.

The fluorescence histochemical examination on biogenic amines of the rabbit's foliate papilla revealed that a specific monoamine exhibiting an yellow fluorescence was present in a certain cell type of taste buds. The fluorescence had the emission maximum at 520 mmu and faded rapidly under the influence of the UV-irradiation. The green fluorescence of adrenergic nerve had the emission maximum at 480 mmu and was fairly stable upon the UV-irradiation. The yellow fluorescence disappeared completely following reserpine treatment, while it was markedly enhanced by nialamide treatment. From the observations, it is suggested that certain taste bud cells of the foliate papilla contain a biogenic monoamine, probably 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin).

Animals↗
PubMed1996

A possibility of efferent innervation of the gustatory cell in the rat circumvallate taste bud.

A transmission-electron microscope study of the rat circumvallate taste bud revealed that occasionally one and the same gustatory or Type III cell received innervation associated with subsurface cisterns as the Type II cell did, in addition to the ordinary afferent synapse. The subsurface cistern a flattened, smooth-surfaced saccular membrane system, hugged the plasma membrane of the gustatory cell along the boundary against the nerve terminal. The nerve terminal attaching to the cell was occupied with mitochondria and synaptic type vesicles. As these structural features resemble those of efferent synapses in certain other sensory cells including the inner ear hair cells, the gustatory cells dually innervated as demonstrated in the present study are presumably involved not only in the afferent but also in the efferent projection of nerves.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Morphological and ultrastructural changes induced by sublethal concentrations of an anionic detergent on Ictalurus species barbel taste buds.

Morphological and ultrastructural changes were studied in Ictalurus sp. barbel taste buds (TBs), exposed to sublethal concentrations (3 ppm) of sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate for periods varying from 3 to 15 days. No significant alterations were noted after 3 days while, after just 6 days damage began to appear. The blood vessels were dilated and larger, more numerous intercellular spaces were observed between the light and dark TB cells than were to be found in the controls, but the basal portion of the TB was unaltered. After 9-12 days the most prominent features were the rupture of the plasma membranes, loss of microvillar organization of the light and dark cells as well as an increase in cytoplasmatic vacuolization. The skin was damaged and the germinative layer of the epidermis appeared activated and its height had increased. About 30% of the TBs were affected, and after 15 days they were severely damaged, whilst the feeding behaviour changed from day 6 onwards.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Taste buds have a cyclic nucleotide-activated channel, CNGgust.

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels have been characterized as important factors involved in physiological processes including sensory reception for vision and olfaction. The possibility thus exists that a certain CNG channel functions in gustation as well. In the present study, we carried out reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and genomic DNA cloning and characterized a CNG channel (CNGgust) as a cyclic nucleotide-activated species expressed in rat tongue epithelial tissues where taste reception takes place. Several types of 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends clones of CNGgust cDNA were obtained with various 5'-terminal sequences. As the CNGgust gene was a single copy, the formation of such CNGgust variants should result from alternative splicing. The encoded protein was homologous to known vertebrate CNG channels with 50-80% similarities in amino acid sequence, and particularly homologous to bovine testis CNG channel and human cone CNG channel with 82% similarities. CNGgust was functional when expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, where it opened upon the addition of cGMP or cAMP. Immunohistochemical analysis using an antibody raised against a CNGgust peptide demonstrated the channel to be localized on the pore side of each taste bud in the circumvallate papillae, with no signal observed for degenerated taste buds after denervation of the glossopharyngeal nerve. All these results, together with the indication that cyclic nucleotides play a role gustatory signaling pathway(s), strongly suggest the involvement of CNGgust in taste signal transduction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1982

[Cellular composition of taste buds of the rat tongue after denervation and application of colchicine to the nerve].

The decrease of the dark cell content and increase of the relative content of the intermediate type cells were observed in the foliate papillae taste buds after denervation or application of colchicine to the nerve. These characteristics were compared with those in the intact animals. Similar changes were found on the contralateral side. Upon colchicine application to the nerve they were most pronounced on the homolateral side. The absence of destruction of the nerve fibers under similar experimental conditions suggests that the blockade of axonal transport may be responsible for the changes under consideration. Variations in the cell content of the taste buds on the contralateral side depend on the presence of cross innervation of the foliate papillae or changes in the impulsation pattern in the efferent nerve fibers.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Fine structure of the taste bud in guinea pigs. II. Localization of spot 35 protein, a cerebellar Purkinje cell-specific protein, as revealed by electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry.

The localization of spot 35 protein, a cerebellar Purkinje cell-specific protein, was studied in guinea pig taste buds by means of electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. The immunoreactivity was localized in the cytoplasmic matrix of discrete bud cells. The ultrastructural features of the reactive cells indicated that they corresponded to the Type III or gustatory cells making a synaptic contact with the intragemmal nerves. All other cells specified as basal, Type I, and Type II were immunonegative for spot 35 protein. This finding indicates a method for specifically demonstrating the gustatory cells in the guinea pig taste bud and, further, gives new evidence that paraneurons may share neuron-specific substances with neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Trophic specificity of the gustatory fibers upon taste bud regeneration.

24 adult dogs were classified into six groups; in 2 animals of each group the lingual nerve was transected distal to the point of entry of the chorda tympani and its proximal end was sutured to the distal end of the glossopharyngeal nerve. In the other 2 animals transtympanic chorda tympani neurectomy was performed before suturing the lingual and glossopharyngeal nerves. Invasion of the papillae by regenerating fibers from the 8th postoperative week onwards was followed by reappearance of taste buds only in lingual glossopharyngeal anastomosis with intact chorda tympani. The difference in number of taste buds, size and number of constituent cells between the two operative procedures was statistically significant from the 8th week onwards. The significance of these findings was discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Modified endoplasmic reticulum in taste bud cells of the Japanese monkey.

Type III cells (receptor cells) in taste buds of vallate papillae in the Japanese monkey often have one or more cytoplasmic bodies composed of modified smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the form of concentric smooth-surfaced cisternae, up to 18 in number. The most peripheral cisternae may be in continuity with rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Type II cells have dilated RER cisternae that often contain crystalline plates with an axial periodicity that ranges from 17 to 27 nm. These observations show that both type III and type II cells of the Japanese monkey possess the cytoplasmic machinery to carry out several secretory functions.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

In situ tight-seal recordings of taste substance-elicited action currents and voltage-gated Ba currents from single taste bud cells in the peeled epithelium of mouse tongue.

We investigated the taste responses of single taste-bud cells (TBCs) in mice by applying stimuli only on receptor membranes acclimated to deionized water under tight-seal cell-attached voltage-clamp conditions, while their basolateral membranes were irrigated with a physiological saline solution. For this irrigation, we developed a new method: a peeled-tongue epithelium with TBCs mounted on a recording chamber where the peeled epithelium separated the irrigating solutions for each membrane as it separated in situ. Although no quinine-elicited action potentials had been reported, TBCs elicited a long-lasting train of biphasic currents derived from the action potentials in response to 10 mM quinine, in addition to responses to 10 mM HCl, or 200 mM NaCl dissolved in deionized water. These results indicate that quinine as well as HCl and NaCl depolarizes TBCs and generate action potentials. Under whole-cell recording conditions, TBCs generated action potentials, and voltage-gated currents such as LVA and HVA Ca currents, TTX-sensitive Na currents, and TEA/4-AP-sensitive K currents on depolarization. These voltage-gated channels were shown to exist predominantly on the basolateral membranes. We discussed the receptor mechanisms and the role of taste substance-elicited action potentials.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in lateral line system and in taste buds of adult zebrafish (Brachidanio rerio).

The mechano and chemosensory organs of adult teleosts undergoes a continuous cell renewal and turnover which is regulated in part by growth factors. Here, we investigated the occurrence and the cell localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the lateral line system and taste bud of adult zebrafish, using Western blot and immunohistochemistry associated to a polyclonal antibody against mammalian EGF. Furthermore, the distribution of S100 protein was studied in parallel to label hair sensory cells in the lateral line system. Western blot revealed one unique protein band with an estimated molecular weight of about 13 kDa, equivalent to the EGF of mammals. Specific immunoreactivity for EGF was observed in the epithelial basal and/or supporting cells of the neuromasts of the lateral line system and taste buds. Conversely, the sensory cells in both sensory structures were devoid of immunostaining. Present results demonstrate the occurrence of EGF in mechano and sensory system of adult zebrafish, suggesting a role for this molecule in the cell renewal and turnover of these structures.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Degenerating taste buds in sialectomized rats.

In the present report changes are described in degenerating taste buds (TB) from rats deprived of the main salivary glands (parotid, sublingual and submaxillary glands). These changes include macrophages located inside the degenerating TB cell, lipid droplets and a heterogeneous population of digestive vacuoles. In addition, a large number of bacteria was found to permeate the apical taste pore. It is of interest that normal nerve fibers were seen synapsing with the degenerating TB cells. The sialectomy-induced degeneration of TB would not be, therefore, a consequence of neural deprivation.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

A photoactivatable Cre-loxP system for spatiotemporal genetic manipulation in mouse taste buds.

Conventional genetic approaches, including global gene KO and conditional KO strategies such as the Cre-loxP system, have some limitations arising from systemic effects or insufficient temporal resolution. The recently developed photoactivatable Cre (PA-Cre) system may have a potential to improve spatiotemporal control of gene manipulation. In this study, we established and validated the feasibility of the PA-Cre system using taste buds as a model. We generated TRE-PA-Cre:R26-rtTA/tdTomato mice to evaluate blue-light-induced Cre recombinase activity. Through systematic optimization of illumination parameters, we found that a single session of blue-light-illumination resulted in limited recombination efficiency, whereas a multisession illumination strategy markedly increased recombination efficiency. To further assess the utility of the PA-Cre system for gene KO, we generated TRE-PA-Cre:R26-rtTA:Tas1r3-flox mice and targeted a taste-related gene Tas1r3. Genomic DNA quantitative PCR and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR both showed partial reductions in Tas1r3 at the DNA and mRNA levels, respectively. Behavioral assays further revealed a selective decrease in sensitivity to sweet and umami stimuli. Together, these findings demonstrate PA-Cre-mediated gene manipulation in taste buds and establish a practical optical activation paradigm, providing a high-spatiotemporal-resolution tool for investigating gene function in optically targeted regions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Deficient dietary intake of vitamin E in patients with taste and smell dysfunctions: is vitamin E a cofactor in taste bud and olfactory epithelium apoptosis and in stem cell maturation and development?

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed dietary intake of several nutrients in a large group of patients with taste and smell dysfunction, compared intake of these nutrients with standard values, and recognized that intake of vitamin E was significantly less than that of most other nutrients. Based on this observation we attempted to develop an hypothesis of the possible role vitamin E might play in these sensory disorders. METHODS: Vitamin E intake was measured in 250 patients with taste and smell dysfunctions. RESULTS: Intake of the vitamin was 3.2 +/- 0.2 mg/d (mean +/- standard error of the mean), or 36 +/- 2% of the recommended daily allowance, an intake significantly below that considered adequate. This diminished intake occurred with normal intake of total calories; protein; fat; carbohydrate; several vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, and pyridoxine; and the trace metals zinc, copper, and iron. CONCLUSIONS: Although specific relations between vitamin E intake and smell and taste dysfunctions are unclear, the non-antioxidant roles of vitamin E indicate that it is a factor in apoptosis, cellular signaling, and growth of various cell lines, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in growth and development of stem cells in taste buds and olfactory epithelium.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

The effects of zinc deficiency on oral behaviour and taste bud morphology in chicks.

The number of beak and tongue movements was measured in chickens (Gallus domesticus) following oral stimulation with different concentrations of quinine hydrochloride (0.01 to 0.25 M), acetic acid (0.25 to 5.0 M), sodium chloride (0.5 to 5.0 M) and distilled water. The birds showed an increase in behaviour with increasing concentration up to a certain point, when the response showed no further increase. 2. Two groups of chicks, one fed on a normal diet and one fed on a diet deficient in zinc, were stimulated orally every 3 to 4 d with 0.1 ml of sodium chloride (2 M), acetic acid (2 M), quinine hydrochloride (0.1 M) and water, and the numbers of beak and tongue movements were recorded. 3. All the birds fed on the zinc-deficient diet showed significant increases in beak and tongue movements compared with the control birds. The time of onset of this increase in behaviour was variable: with quinine hydrochloride it was 3 d whereas with acetic acid, sodium chloride and water it was between 6 and 9 d. 4. The morphology of the taste buds in zinc deficiency was investigated and there was no evidence of primary or preferential involvement of the taste buds; these structures were either morphologically normal or were involved in a generalised degeneration of the epithelium. 5. The increase in oral behaviour is discussed in relation to the possible ageing of the taste cells and to the general degeneration of the oral epithelium.

Acetates↗
PubMed1993

Pre- and postnatal development of rabbit foliate papillae with special reference to foliate gutter formation and taste bud and serous gland differentiation.

The epithelial downgrowth arises in the presumptive foliate papilla region of the tongue approximately at prenatal day 22, and the distal portion of the primary epithelial cell cords transforms to the bifurcated serous gland and excretory duct between prenatal day 30 and postnatal day 2. The excretory ducts extend upward through the primary epithelial cell cords at rather random intervals and are open to the tongue surface between postnatal days 1 and 2. In this process, successive connections between the adjacent ascending excretory ducts occur mainly due to desquamation of the keratinized lining cells of the ducts, resulting in the formation of the foliate gutter. Taste bud primordia appear in the primary epithelial cell cords by nerve penetration through the basal lamina from prenatal day 30 and nearly fully formed taste buds facing the ascending excretory ducts have been already observed before the foliate gutter formation is completed. In the differentiation process of chemoreceptor (type III) cells from less-differentiated basal (type IV) cells, subsurface cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum are occasionally present where nerve endings make contact. Since subsurface cisterns have been considered to be involved in reciprocal or efferent synaptic transmission, it is reasonable to consider that these morphological specializations may take a role in neurotrophic signals for differentiation of the chemoreceptor cells.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Metastasizing neuroblastomas from taste buds in rats transgenic for the Simian virus 40 large T antigen under control of the probasin gene promoter.

During establishment of a prostate cancer model in rats transgenic for the Simian virus 40 large T antigen, under control of the probasin gene promoter, with protein expression specific to the prostate, tongue, and spinal cord, undifferentiated small round cell tumors were frequently observed. Extensive examination of tongues of the transgenic rats, despite a macroscopically normal appearance, revealed the tumors to have come from taste buds of the papilla circumvallata and papilla foliata. The lesions were positive for the SV40 T antigen, PGP9.5 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase), and synaptophysin, neuron and neuroendocrine markers. Morphologically and immunohistochemically, the tumors were diagnosed as neuroblastomas, considering the neuroepithelial origin. Histologically identical tumor cells in the spinal cord and lung were observed only in the rats with deeply invading tongue tumors, suggesting that metastasis from the tongue tumors had occurred. Castration or supplementation with testosterone propionate did not alter tumor development, indicating the tumors to be androgen-independent. These results clearly show that taste buds can give rise to metastasizing neuroblastomas.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗
PubMed1978

Nerves and taste-buds degeneration in the cat-fish Ictalurus melas.

After nerve transection, external taste-buds remain apparently normal for more than 3 weeks, become round, then disappear. Cryonecrosis of the cranial ganglia V and VII induces a loss of polarity of the buds, which, though keeping up their form for 50 and even 150 days, are progressively deprived of sensory cells. This shows a dissociation of the actions of nerve factors.

Animals↗