Presentation Details
| Utilizing the HTr3a-FlpO Mouse Line to Define Gustatory Neuron Innervation of Type III Taste Bud Cells Ngozi Eze, Robin Krimm. University of Louisville, Louisville, KY |
Abstract
The gustatory system is a complex sensory system relying on various cell types, each expressing distinct receptor types that contribute to the perception of different taste stimuli. Type III taste bud cells transduce sour, bitter, and salt taste stimuli. In response to stimulation, Type III cells release Serotonin (5-HT), which activates Serotonin Receptor 3a- expressing nerve fibers (HTr3a-flpo). However, a definitive genetic marker for Type III associated gustatory nerve fibers has yet to be clearly defined. Here we utilized the HTr3a-flpo mice bred with reporter mice to examine the innervation patterns with Type II and Type III taste bud cells of neurons undergoing gene recombination. We found that HTr3a-flpo was expressed in (38%) of Phox2b-labeled geniculate neurons that project to the oral cavity. Furthermore, HTr3a-expressing neurons were found to innervate (94%) of fungiform taste buds. Examining the proximity between HTr3a-flpo nerve fibers and taste transducing cell types (II &III) revealed significantly greater HTr3a-flpo innervation of Type III compared to Type II taste bud cells. These findings suggest Type III taste bud cells receive preferential innervation from HTr3a-flpo nerve fibers. However, further investigation into innervation density revealed that Type III taste bud cells may inherently receive increased innervation in comparison to Type II taste bud cells, independent of neuron subtype. Perhaps the longer lifespan of Type III taste bud cells contributes to this increased innervation pattern. Consistent with this idea, using intra vital imaging we determined that newly appearing Type III cells are less well innervated than the full population. We conclude that for taste neurons the relationship between neuron subtype structure and function is complicated by plasticity.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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