Age-related Alteration of Taste Bud Distribution in the Common Marmoset

Abstract

Alteration in the number of taste buds on the soft palate (SP), fungiform (FF), foliate (FL) and circumvallate (CV) papillae in the common marmoset at different postnatal ages was examined histologically. After paraffin embedding, complete serial sections at 10 microm thickness were made and stained by HE. Digitized images for each section were examined carefully. The number of FF taste buds at day 1 was 334. While only 20% of all the taste buds at birth possessed a taste pore, 39% of 174 SP taste buds at day 1 possessed a taste pore. The number of taste buds with pores at day 1 was small for the center CV (19 of 59), one side CV (7 of 25), and one side FL (2 of 16). These results suggest that the functional maturation of SP taste buds may precede maturation in other areas of the tongue. The total number of taste buds increased with increasing age, reached a maximum at 2 months of age: FF, 1069; SP, 609; CV-center, 530; CV-side, 390; FL, 201, and decreased thereafter. Almost all taste buds possessed a taste pore after 2 months of age. The decrease in the number of taste buds in the oral cavity with increase in age may change taste sensitivity.

Species comparison of postnatal CNS development: Functional measures

“…Taste buds in the soft palate of the common marmoset increase in number after birth, reaching a maximum number at 2 months and then decrease until 9 years of age (Yamaguchi et al, 2001).…”

“…For example, the gustatory system in newborn animals is apparently important for selective ingestion, and olfaction and taste are among the first sensory systems to develop. Behavioral responses in humans and rats suggest the presence of functional taste and olfaction systems at birth (Teicher and Blass, 1977; Hudson and Distel, 1983; Yamaguchi et al, 2001), and olfaction may even be functional in utero (Stickord et al, 1982; Pedersen et al, 1983). Although the sequence of development of sensory and reflex systems may be similar, timing of development relative to birth varies for some systems.…”

Spontaneous pathology of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and tamarins (Saguinus oedipus, Saguinus mystax)

“…The common marmoset has been suggested for genome mapping [15]. Marmosets reach maturity at approximately 18 months of age [1,40].By contrast, tamarins are not used as commonly as marmosets, partially because of the presence of lessestablished breeding colonies and declining wild populations. However, tamarins have played key research roles in vaccine trails, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Crohn's disease…”

Praziquantel form, dietary application method and dietary inclusion level affect palatability and efficacy against monogenean parasites in yellowtail kingfish

“…An alternative hypothesis for the difference in palatability between this study and that of Williams et al (2007) may be due to the difference in fish size. Whilst there appear to be no studies in fish investigating the effect of age on taste sensitivity, it is well documented in mammals that sensitivity (including sensitivity to bitterness) decreases with age (Glanville et al 1964, Mojet et al 2001, Yamaguchi et al 2001. It is therefore possible that the large fish used in the present study were less sensitive to the taste of the PZQ than the 320 g fish used in the study by Williams et al (2007).…”