title: Microvascular cast specimen formation of lingual papillae in zinc-deficient rat tongue.
abstract: In the present study the microvascular cast specimens (MVCS) of lingual papillae (LP) in a zinc-deficient (Zn-deficient) rat group were compared with those of a control rat group, so as to observe and assess the effects on tongue changes in the Zn-deficient rat group by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main clear changes in LP in the Zn-deficient rat group were deformity, reduction in size and disturbed distribution of the filiform (FiP) and fungiform papillae (FuP) relating to taste sense. The results suggested that the Zn-deficient condition interfered with the microvascular circulation supplying nutrients to the LP.
authors.affiliation: Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry at Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ojima
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ogura
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Niwa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014059:Tongue / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015032:Zinc / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc