Changes in Cell Morphology and Cell-to-cell Adhesion Induced by Extracellular Ca²⁺ in Cultured Taste Bud Cells

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  Cell morphology and cell-to-cell adhesion of taste bud cells were significantly altered by extracellular Ca²⁺ during in vitro culture. Under high Ca²⁺ condition (above 0.5 mM), the cells were tightly associated with each other and formed packed aggregates. Under low Ca²⁺ condition (below 0.1 mM), the cells were dispersed and had an elongated shape. These two forms were reversible and specifically dependent on Ca²⁺. The results indicate that extracellular Ca²⁺ regulates cell shape and cell-to-cell adhesion of taste bud cells.