Changes in cell morphology and cell-to-cell adhesion induced by extracellular Ca2+ in cultured taste bud cells.

Cell morphology and cell-to-cell adhesion of taste bud cells were significantly altered by extracellular Ca2+ during in vitro culture. Under high Ca2+ condition (above 0.5 mM), the cells were tightly associated with each other and formed packed aggregates. Under low Ca2+ condition (below 0.1 mM), the cells were dispersed and had an elongated shape. These two forms were reversible and specifically dependent on Ca2+. The results indicate that extracellular Ca2+ regulates cell shape and cell-to-cell adhesion of taste bud cells.