Effects of cytochalasin B on the morphology of secretory cells of Rana esculenta fungiform papilla.

The effects of cytochalasin B on the three types of secreting cells (apical, paracoronal and parietal cells) present in the fungiform papilla of the frog's tongue were studied. Cytochalasin B induced morphological modifications only in the apical secreting cells, localized in the sensorial area, without affecting the paracoronal cells or the parietal cells. The morphological features of treated apical cells showed that the drug induces two different effects: a disappearance of microfilaments and an increase in the exocytotic process. The results are related to previous experimental findings which showed that cytochalasin B produces actin depolymerization and interferes with calcium transport.