Three-dimensional reconstructions of mouse circumvallate taste buds using serial blockface scanning electron microscopy: I. Cell types and the apical region of the taste bud.

ABSTRACT: Taste buds comprise four types of taste cells: three mature, elongate types, Types I-III; and basally situated, immature postmitotic type, Type IV cells. We employed serial blockface scanning electron microscopy to delineate the characteristics and interrelationships of the taste cells in the circumvallate papillae of adult mice. Type I cells have an indented, elongate nucleus with invaginations, folded plasma membrane, and multiple apical microvilli in the taste pore. Type I microvilli may be either restricted to the bottom of the pore or extend outward reaching midway up into the taste pore. Type II cells (aka receptor cells) possess a large round or oval nucleus, a single apical microvillus extending through the taste pore, and specialized "atypical" mitochondria at functional points of

SUBMITTER: Yang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7041425 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature