Neuronal intermediate filaments in the developing tongue of the frog Rana esculenta

Abstract

The expression of several neuronal intermediate filament (NIF) proteins was investigated in the tongue of metamorphosing tadpoles (stage 38-45 of Gosner) and in adult individuals of the frog, Rana esculenta by means of immunohistochemistry. Results showed that nerve fibres at early stages of tongue development expressed peripherin (a NIF protein usually found in differentiating neurones) as well as the light-and medium molecular weight NIF polypeptide subunits (NF-L and NF-M, respectively); in the adult frog, peripherin was still found in nerve fibres reaching the fungiform papilla together with NF-M, but NF-L immunoreactivity was absent therein. Clusters of epithelial cells expressing peripherin were found in the early developing tongue before differentiation of taste organs, and NF-L and NF-H immunoreactivities were present in basal (Merkel) cells of the adult frog taste disc. Results indicate that neurones innervating the adult frog's taste disc maintain a certain plasticity in their cytoskeleton and that neuronal-like cells are present in the undifferentiated and differentiated tongue epithelium possibly playing a role in the developing and mature taste organ.

Administration of leuprolide acetate, a GnRH agonist, improves urodynamic parameters in ovariectomized rats

“…Surprisingly, we found the presence of a positive immunolabeling for NF68 in all layers of the vesical urothelium, a bladder characteristic that had not been reported before. The presence of NF68 in non‐nervous tissues has been described in Merkel cells and in bullfrog taste buds, both classified as neuroepithelial cells . Our finding may help to find alternative explanations for several physiological and pathological phenomena of bladder function and neurogenic dysfunctions.…”

“…The presence of NF68 in non-nervous tissues has been described in Merkel cells and in bullfrog taste buds, both classified as neuroepithelial cells. 19,20 Our finding may help to find alternative explanations for several physiological and pathological phenomena of bladder function and neurogenic dysfunctions. For example, it has been proposed that the urothelium plays sensory roles and has a preponderant purpose for the correct performance of the bladder filling and voiding phases.…”