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

• Published in: Cell and tissue research 1978-01, Vol.193 (3), p.399-411
• Main Authors: Sanchez, B.F, Angulo, M.R, Garcia, J.C, Echandia, E.L.R. (Universidad Autonoma, de Madrid (Spain). Facultad de Medicina)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Epithelium - ultrastructure; Mouth Mucosa - innervation; Mouth Mucosa - ultrastructure; Nerve Fibers - physiology; Nerve Fibers - ultrastructure; Rats; Regeneration; Taste Buds - physiology; Taste Buds - ultrastructure; Tongue - anatomy & histology
• ISSN: 0302-766X; 1432-0878
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00225338

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.