ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS ON CELL SURFACE MODIFICATIONS IN GUSTATORY EPITHELIUM

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Abstract
Observations on modifications of the cell surface in the gustatory epithelium of the rabbit''s tongue were recorded with the electron microscope. In the deeply situated epithelial layers, cell membranes of neighboring cells show deep interdigitations with frequent desmosomes along their course. A desmosome is formed of two apposed attachment plaques with seven alternate light and dark laminae intervening intercellularly between them. Cross-striated tonofilaments are inserted in the internal face of the attachment plaques. In the superficially placed epithelial layers, the cells become widely separated, the interdigitations become less pronounced and the desmosomes become almost invisible. At the free epithelial surface small widely spaced microvilli can be seen. They probably result from a separation of the interdigitations and desmosomes of the deep layers which, as they become more superficially situated, are in the process of desquamation.

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