Lesions of the taste buds are often seen in an injuried tongue, but the histopathology of these lesions are not obvious.
So, the purpose of this study was to examine the microstructure of the taste buds of tongue injuried by acid chemical substances.
Experimental methods: 6-week-old Wistar strain rats were used as experimental animals. In order to give a tongue injury these rats were generally anesthesized with nembutal, and 5%, 10%, and 20% diluted Hel aqueous solutions were applied to the anterior 1/3 part of the tongue dorsal center for 1 minute. After application for a given time, the injured tongues were removed, and possible lesions of the taste buds of fungiform papillae were examined by light and transmission electron microscopes.
Experimental results: Despite the damage of the tongue by as low as 5% HC1 aqueous solution, the taste buds of fungiform papillae were surely injured. After application, the taste cells (1 4 type) showed an increased electron density, and light and/or dark cells could not clearly be demarcated. In addition, a degenerating tendency of these cell components and organizations was observed: namely pycnosis, swelling of mitochondria and loss of cristae, decreased endoplasmic reticulum, increased vacuoles in the nerve ending region and breaked microvilli in the taste pore, etc. With higher concentrations of HC1 aqueous solution (10% and 20%), there was a tendency of the taste buds to be damaged excessively. The cell components were degenerated and destroyed, suggesting a functional disturbance. The degree of injury by acid chemical substances in the type 3 cells and the nerve endings of the taste buds were greater then that in the surrounding epithelial cells.
