Ultrastructure of the tastebuds of the red-eared turtle,Chrysemys scripta elegans

The fine structure of the turtle tastebud has been examined by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. It contains five types of cells on the basis of their cytological features, designated types 1,2,3,A, and B. Types 1, 2, and 3 reach the taste pore, whereas types A and B are located basally. The type 2 cell has access to the tongue surface, i.e., the site of gustatory stimuli, and also synapses onto afferent nerves; it probably is a gustatory receptor cell and corresponds to the so-called “light” cell observed in other vertebrate tastebuds. Some cells may be differentiating. In support of this hypothesis, light microscopic autoradiography shows that postmitotic cells occur in the tastebuds within 24 hours after administration of H³-thymidine. The tastebuds of the turtle are similar to those of other vertebrates described electron-microscopically.     

Regeneration of the eighth nerve fibers after transection in the red-eared turtle,Chrysemys scripta elegans

The present study examined the time sequence of degeneration and regeneration after transection of the eighth nerve in the red-eared turtle as well as the chromatolytic reaction of the turtle auditory ganglion cells. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transport between auditory ganglion cells and the medulla identified eighth nerve connections. The course of eighth nerve degeneration was followed with Fink and Heimer degeneration stain and HRP reaction. Cresyl-violet-stained sections through auditory ganglion cells were observed for chromatolysis. Degeneration by-product was intense in the eighth nerve and primary auditory nuclei in turtles surviving 25 and 32 days after eighth nerve transection. Turtles surviving 45 days or less after eighth nerve transection showed HRP reaction product in the eighth nerve to the point of its dorsolateral penetration into the medulla following cochlear duct injections. Acoustic tubercle injections in 50-day survivors showed HRP filling in eighth nerve and auditory ganglion cells. Cochlear duct injections in 67-day survivors demonstrated HRP filling in the eighth nerve and acoustic tubercle. Sections stained for degeneration in 67-day survivors showed little or no degeneration by-product and 80- and 90-day survivors showed none. The proportion of chromatolytic auditory ganglion cells was greatest in the 50-day postoperative turtles when compared to control turtles and other survival stages. Animals which survived longer than 50 days had reduced numbers of chromatolytic cells. Results suggest that the eighth nerve fibers are regenerated to primary brainstem auditory nuclei in experimental turtles surviving 50 days or more. Regeneration occurs between the 45th and 50th day following transection.