The T1r family is one of the receptor family belong to class C type of G protein coupled receptors, and comprised of three taste budspecific receptors, T1r1, T1r2 and T1r3 (Nelson et al., 2001). T1r1 and T1r2 are known to have distinctive patterns of regional expression, respectively (Hoon et al., 1999). T1r1 is expressed in taste buds in the fungiform papillae, but is rare in the taste buds of...

Taste stimuli that evoke different perceptual qualities (e.g., sweet, umami, bitter, sour, salty) are detected by dedicated subpopulations of taste bud cells that use distinct combinations of sensory receptors and transduction molecules. Here, we report that taste stimuli also elicit unique patterns of neuropeptide secretion from taste buds that are correlated with those perceptual qualities. W...

Taste stimuli that evoke different perceptual qualities (e.g., sweet, umami, bitter, sour, salty) are detected by dedicated subpopulations of taste bud cells that use distinct combinations of sensory receptors and transduction molecules. Here, we report that taste stimuli also elicit unique patterns of neuropeptide secretion from taste buds that are correlated with those perceptual qualities. W...

Taste buds are aggregates of 50-100 cells, only a fraction of which express genes for taste receptors and intracellular signaling proteins. We combined functional calcium imaging with single-cell molecular profiling to demonstrate the existence of two distinct cell types in mouse taste buds. Calcium imaging revealed that isolated taste cells responded with a transient elevation of cytoplasmic C...

The localization of Mg++ activated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in rat fungiform taste buds was demonstrated by electron microscopic histochemistry. Reaction product was found on the cell membrane of the taste cells, but not within their cytoplasm. Especially strong reaction occurred in the taste pore. Besides, enzymes were observed in axon-Schwann cell and axon-type I cell inters...

Distribution of two heparin-binding molecules, pleiotrophin (PTN) and midkine (MK), was investigated by immunohistochemistry in the lingual epithelium of the adult rat. In the lingual epithelium, both PTN- and MK-like immunoreactivities were observed in its basal cell layers, showing a mesh-like appearance. These molecules were also found along the surface of the taste bud cells; an intense imm...

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a commonly prescribed chemotherapy drug, has multiple adverse side effects including alteration of taste. The effects on taste are a cause of concern for patients as changes in taste are often associated with loss of appetite, malnutrition, poor recovery and reduced quality of life. Amifostine is a cytoprotective agent that was previously shown to be effective in prevent...

The chorda tympani (CT), which innervates taste buds on the anterior portion of the tongue, is susceptible to damage during inner ear surgeries. Injury to the CT causes a disappearance of taste buds, which is concurrent with significant microglial responses at central nerve terminals in the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS). The resulting taste disturbances that can occur may persist for mont...

BACKGROUND The gustatory system plays a critical role in determining food preferences, food intake and energy balance. The exact mechanisms that fine tune taste sensitivity are currently poorly defined, but it is clear that numerous factors such as efferent input and specific signal transduction cascades are involved. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using immunohistochemical analyses, we show ...