[Cellular composition of taste buds of the rat tongue after denervation and application of colchicine to the nerve].

The decrease of the dark cell content and increase of the relative content of the intermediate type cells were observed in the foliate papillae taste buds after denervation or application of colchicine to the nerve. These characteristics were compared with those in the intact animals. Similar changes were found on the contralateral side. Upon colchicine application to the nerve they were most pronounced on the homolateral side. The absence of destruction of the nerve fibers under similar experimental conditions suggests that the blockade of axonal transport may be responsible for the changes under consideration. Variations in the cell content of the taste buds on the contralateral side depend on the presence of cross innervation of the foliate papillae or changes in the impulsation pattern in the efferent nerve fibers.