Abstract
The taste buds of the chicken were examined by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopic observation revealed that the chicken taste buds apparently differed in structure from those in other vertebrates. The taste buds had a long canal leading to a pore through the superficial strata of the epithelium. They consisted of a large number of small cells, which were divided into at least three types, namely light cells, dark cells and flattened cells, according to the staining reaction and shape of the cells. The apical surface of light and dark cells comprised the taste canal. The flattened cells surrounded a group of light and dark cells. When the taste buds were viewed in three dimensions, two types of taste buds were found: one with an elongated pearlike shape, the other with a forked configuration. Electron microscopic observation showed that the light cells were characterized by typical afferent synaptic contacts, with numerous vesicles which localized in the cytoplasm adjacent to the nerve endings. The light cells were also surrounded by the cytoplasmic processes of the dark cells. The dark cells had no configuration suggesting afferent synaptic contact, despite extensive contact with nerve fibers. These cells contained numerous filaments in the cytoplasm, and had slightly clear vesicles. Most vesicles were oval or flat in shape, and localized close to the taste canals. The flattened cells were characterized by the presence of numerous filaments and free ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Other cytoplasmic organelles were very poorly developed in these cells. From these findings, it is suggested that the three types of cells in taste buds in chickens may correspond to the three types of cells in other vertebrates, namely the light cells, dark cells and flattened cells to gustatory cells, supporting cells and peripheral cells, respectively.
