Neuro-histochemical study of the tongue of Gallus domesticus (White Leghorn).

An investigation was undertaken to study the neuro-histochemistry of tonue of Gallus domesticus (white Leghorn) by cholinesterase technique under maintained pH of 5.2, temperature 40 degrees C and incubation period 20 h, and Ungewitter's silver impregnation method. Fungiform (8--16 in number), filiform (5--16 in number), circumvallate and foliate (numerous) were recorded profusely innervated in the various regions of the tongue. Neuro-muscular spindles related either with the non-myelinated, myelinated nerve fibres or with the ganglia via pre- or postganglionic nerve fibre showed cholinesterase (AChE) positive activity in the form of dark brown patches. Neural network over the glands, formed the basket envelope likestructures. Glands showed positive cholinesterase (AChE) reaction on the periphery. Dot-like nerve endings were connected with the neural terminal network in the foliate papillae region and motor end plate like endings on blood vessel, were occasionally recorded. Parasympathetic ganglia of various shape and sizes, arranged in chain-like fashion were observed in the connective tissue space between the fungiform and circumvallate papillae and foliate papillae region. The pre- and postganglionic fibres of these ganglia were related with the anteriorly and posteriorly located papillae via the neural terminal network. Cholinesterase (AChE) activity was marked either in the centre, of the fungiform or on the periphery of the filiform, circumvallate and foliate papillae.