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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Whole-Mount Staining, Visualization, and Analysis of Fungiform, Circumvallate, and Palate Taste Buds
Published on: February 11, 2021
Acetylcholine is released from taste cells, enhancing taste signalling
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016430, Miami, FL 33101, USA. r.dando@miami.edu
The Journal of Physiology
|May 10, 2012
Summary
Acetylcholine (ACh) acts as an autocrine transmitter in taste buds, enhancing taste responses. This neurotransmitter is secreted by taste receptor cells, boosting taste-evoked responses and ATP secretion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
- Taste Perception
Background:
- Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter candidate involved in taste bud function.
- ACh elicits calcium mobilization in Type II taste receptor cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in taste perception.
- To determine if acetylcholine is secreted by taste cells during gustatory stimulation.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR analysis to identify muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3.
- Pharmacological interventions to block muscarinic receptors.
- ACh biosensors to detect acetylcholine secretion.
- Genetic deletion of muscarinic receptors.
Main Results:
- Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 mediates ACh actions in taste cells.
- ACh application enhanced taste-evoked calcium responses and ATP secretion.
- Blocking muscarinic receptors reduced taste-evoked responses.
- Taste receptor cells secrete acetylcholine during gustatory stimulation.
- Genetic deletion of muscarinic receptors diminished ATP secretion.
Conclusions:
- Acetylcholine functions as an autocrine transmitter in taste buds.
- ACh secreted by taste receptor cells enhances taste-evoked responses and afferent neurotransmitter secretion.
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