Age-related Changes in Electrogustometry Thresholds, Tongue Tip Vascularization, Density, and Form of the Fungiform Papillae in Humans

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate age-related changes in electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds, in morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap) and in vessels' shape and density at the tip of the human tongue.In 156 nonsmokers (74 males, 82 females; age range: 10-80 years), divided in age groups, EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area, at the soft palate area, and at the area of the vallate papillae were recorded bilaterally. Morphology and density of the fPap and blood vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue were examined using contact endoscopy (CE). EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area were significantly higher in both men and women ←60 years of age than in younger individuals. At the soft-palatine area, EGM thresholds were significantly higher in men aged 20-29 years and ←60 years compared with men of other age groups. In women older than 50 years, thresholds at all 3 areas were significantly higher than in the younger age groups. No significant differences in EGM thresholds between the two sexes at all locations tested were detected. The density of fPap decreased significantly in men aged >50 years and in women aged >60 years compared with younger individuals. Vascular density decreased significantly and vascular morphology worsened at the tip of the tongue in subjects older than 60 years of age compared with younger subjects. The study showed statistically significant differences in EGM thresholds between the right and the left side of the tongue and between the two sexes. Aging is associated with a progressive increase in EGM thresholds. Density of fPap plays an important role for taste acuity in females aged >60 years and males aged ←50 years. Morphology of fPap and vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue, as tested by CE, emerge as factors influencing taste function in subjects of both sexes aged >60 years.

Influence of Japanese consumer gender and age on sensory attributes and preference (a case study on deep‐fried peanuts)

“…Histological observation demonstrated that the mean density of the taste buds of younger subjects was significantly higher than that of elderly subjects. 9 Pavlidis et al 10 reported that aging was associated with a progressive increase in electrogustometry thresholds, and densities of both fPap and vessels decreased significantly in older subjects compared with those of younger subjects. Loss of selectivity in human olfactory sensory neurons with developing age was also observed.…”

Effect of ageing process on fungiform papillae density

“…The mean FP density value reported for elderly individuals was similar to that one in our study. Moreover, ageing was also significantly associated Influencing the taste function in elderly subjects, all these factors were suggested to be relevant (Pavlidis et al, 2012).…”

“…Some studies have not reported either significant association or gender differences (Zuniga et al 1993;Just et al, 2006;Zhang et al 2008), but others have done (Segovia et al 2002;Pavlidis et al 2012;Correa et al 2013;Fischer et al 2013). …”

Bilateral taste disorders in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Bell palsy

“…A further criterion was an absence of recent hospitalizations or severe medical histories such as epilepsy, retinopathy, nephropathy, polyneuropathy, macroangiopathy, hepatitis, cardiac murmurs, radiation therapy of the head and neck, and chemotherapy . Excluding potential participants older than 60 years minimized potential confounding of age on our hypothesized association between diagnosis, gustatory function, and morphology …”

“…It produces low‐amplitude stimuli of a predetermined duration (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 seconds). A feedback circuit controls the output current with an error quote of <1% …”