Oral sensory papillae, chemo- and mechano-receptors, in the snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata. A light and electron microscopic study.

The oral sensory papillae of the snake (Elaphe quadrivirgata), comprising a compound sensory system located along the tooth rows, were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry for neuron specific enolase and S 100 protein, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Each sensory papilla exhibited a single taste bud and free nerve endings in the epithelium, and Meissner-like corpuscles, branched coiled terminals, and lamellated corpuscles in the connective tissue. The taste buds consisted of four types of cells; the type III cells, exclusively synapsing onto intragemmal nerves, were identified as gustatory in function. The gustatory cells included dense-cored and clear vesicles in the cytoplasm. These vesicles were accumulated both in the presynaptic and infranuclear regions, suggesting dual functions: the synaptocrine and paracrine/endocrine release of signal substances. The free nerve endings constantly contained mitochondria and frequent clear vesicles. The Meissner-like corpuscles were located in the uppermost zone of the connective tissue. These corpuscles consisted of nerve fibers and lamellar cells. The nerve fibers, rich in mitochondria, were folded and layered on each other. The branched coiled terminals were localized in the connective tissue along the side wall of the papillae. Nerve fibers, free from a Schwann-cell covering, swelled up to make terminals which accumulated mitochondria and glycogen particles. The lamellated corpuscles were associated with the nerve-fiber bundles in the connective tissue. Consisting of a central nerve axon and lamellar cells encircling it, these corpuscles resembled mammalian Vater-Pacini corpuscles, except that they lacked a capsule. These findings demonstrated that the snake sensory papilla represents one of the most specialized, compound sensory systems among vertebrates, which may play an important role in receiving chemical and mechanical information on prey.

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