Histochemical distribution and functional role of phosphatases, cholinesterase and succinic dehydrogenase in the gustatory epithelium and lingual glands of the rat.

The distribution pattern of cholinesterase, alkaline and acid phosphatases, adenosine triphosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase in the various cellular constituents of the gustatory epithelium, taste buds and lingual glands of the rat was subjected to a detailed histochemical study. An attempt was made to explain the structural and functional relationship on the basis of the distribution of the enzymes in these regions of the rat tongue.