Immunohistochemical investigation of the nitrergic system in the taste organ of the frog, Rana esculenta.

We have studied by immunocytochemistry, the taste discs of the frog, Rana esculenta, with the aim of providing morphological and neurochemical data on the nitrergic system and of assessing the eventual presence of intrinsic neurons associated with the gustatory organs. In taste discs, antibodies against neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) revealed a positive immunoreaction in the taste receptor cell bodies and processes. The basal cells were also stained. All the fungiform papillae contained intragemmal nerve fibers showing nNOS immunoreactivity; these fiber were mainly located in the basal plexus. Immunoreactive nerve fibers were also visible at the periphery of the papilla-contacting ciliate cells, which form a ring around the taste disc. In conclusion, the findings obtained in this study suggest that the occurrence of nNOS-immunoreactivity in basal cells, taste cells and nerves might reflect a role for nitric oxide in taste mechanisms of Amphibia. The results may also sustain the physiological implication of NO as a molecule involved in the local target function of maintaining the taste bud mucosal integrity and in regulating the blood flow to the epithelium.