Localization of Na,K-atpase in lingual epithelia

Na,K-ATPase was localized in canine fungiform and circumvallflte papillae by immunocytochemical and histochemical methods. Monoclonal antibodies raised against the α-subunit of Na,K-ATPase showed specific staining in the stratum basale and in the lower layers of the stratum spinosum. Small stained wavy lines, interpreted as trigerrunal fibers, were found in the epithelium near taste buds. In contrast, conventional histochemical methods showed no staining in the epithelium.In both immunocytochemical and histochemical methods taste buds were densely stained. The histochemical stain in taste buds was essentially eliminated by levamisole and L-cysteine but remained in the presence of 10 mM ouabain or in the absence of potassium. These data suggest that the majority of the histochemical stain arises from phosphatases other than Na,K-ATPase. © 1991 Oxford University Press.

Duke Scholars

Author Sidney Arthur Simon Neurobiology