Comparative lectin histochemical studies on taste buds in five orders of mammals

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 70; no. 1; pp. 65 - 70
• Main Authors: Taniguchi, K.(Kitasato Univ., Towada, Aomori (Japan). School of Veterinary Medicine), Koida, A, Mutoh, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.01.2008; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: ANIMAL TISSUES; Animals; BIOTIN; BIOTINA; BIOTINE; GLICOPROTEINAS; glycoconjugate; Glycoconjugates - metabolism; GLYCOPROTEINE; GLYCOPROTEINS; GUSTO (SENTIDO); LANGUE; lectin; LECTINAS; LECTINE; LECTINS; Lectins - metabolism; LENGUA; lingual papillae; MAMIFEROS; mammalian orders; MAMMALS; Mammals - classification; Mammals - physiology; MAMMIFERE; Primates; Protein Binding; SENS DU GOUT; TASTE (SENSATION); taste bud; Taste Buds - anatomy & histology; Taste Buds - cytology; Taste Buds - physiology; TEJIDOS ANIMALES; TISSU ANIMAL; TONGUE
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.70.65

Although it has been reported that specific proteins are present to take charge in the gustation in the taste buds, there have been only a few reports on the distribution of glycoconjugates binding to glycoproteins on the cellular membranes of the taste cells. In the present study, therefore, binding patters of 24 biotinylated lectins were examined in the three types of lingual papillae in five species of mammals belonging to different orders: cow (artiodactyl), horse (perissodactyl), monkey (primate), dog (carnivore) and mouse (rodent). As the results, lectin binding patterns were different among circumvallate, foliate and fungiform papillae, among the cells of the taste buds, and among animal species. These findings suggest that the different binding patterns of the lectins in the taste papillae and taste bud cells may be involved in different sensitivities of taste among mammalian species.