Experimental ageusia.

By administering acetyl-homocysteine and D-Penicillamine to the guinea pig, ageusia and hipogeusia respectively were obtained. Copper concentration was estimated in serum, saliva, liver, salivary glands, muscle, heart and tongue. A significant decrease in the concentration of this metal in the liver was observed and a slight increase in the rest (average values). The results were similar for both drugs. We believe that copper does not play any role in the taste process. The fact that this and other metals restore taste would indicate that those metals bind the SH groups of the drugs and that they are probably responsible for the ageusia.