Taste buds in vallate papillae grafted to the anterior chamber of the eye

Abstract
Vallate papillae from rats were grafted to the anterior chamber of the eye of the same animal. Longterm grafts showed small taste buds located in epitelial cavities which were probably the remnants of trench walls. These grafts have been reinnervated by local nerves. Excretory ducts and serous acini of Von Ebner's glands were also present. The latter showed secretory granules in their cells. The specificity of the nerve fibers and of the epithelium in relation to the induction of taste bud differentiation are discussed.