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Dye-coupling in taste buds in the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
Summary
Electrical coupling occurs in mudpuppy taste buds, connecting 2-3 cells. Extensive electrical coupling is also found in basal lingual epithelial cells, but not superficial layers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Electrical coupling, indicated by Lucifer yellow dye transfer, facilitates cell-to-cell communication.
- Understanding electrical coupling in lingual epithelium and taste buds is crucial for sensory perception research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of electrical coupling in mudpuppy taste buds and non-taste lingual epithelium.
- To determine the patterns of cell-to-cell communication within these tissues.
Main Methods:
- Microinjection of Lucifer yellow dye into individual cells of the mudpuppy tongue.
- Microscopic observation to detect dye transfer between cells, indicating electrical coupling.
- Analysis of coupling patterns in taste bud cells and superficial/basal lingual epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Electrical coupling was detected in 21 out of 105 impaled taste bud cells, forming pairs (17 cases) or trios (4 cases).
- Extensive electrical coupling was observed in the basal layer of non-taste epithelium (15/15 cases), involving 3-5 cells.
- Dye coupling was rare in superficial lingual epithelium (1/45 cases) and absent between epithelial and taste cells.
Conclusions:
- Mudpuppy taste buds exhibit strong electrical coupling among small groups of 2-3 cells.
- Electrical coupling is prevalent in basal lingual epithelial cells but limited in superficial layers.
- Further research is needed to determine if taste cell coupling is specific to cell types.