The distribution of acetylcholinesterase in buds of the rat vallate papilla as determined by electron microscope histochemistry.

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the rat vallate papillary bud was investigated by histochemical electron microscopy. Previous reports of specific AChE activity around subgemmal and intragemmal nerves and between some taste bud cells have been confirmed. In addition we have consistently observed dense precipitation between microvilli in the taste pore. The studies suggest that the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, may be involved in early events in the taste process which are believed to occur in the pore.