Abstract
A study of the development of taste organs in the living condition in embryos and larvae of Amblystoma punctatum 1 has shown a considerable degree of independence of the organs with respect to their normal (gustatory) nerve fibers. In the present studies an attempt was made to examine the relationship between the taste organs and their gustatory fibers in the adult salamander. Because of the peculiar advantage of an aquatic host in which tongue grafts would be bathed constantly in a fluid environment, the common Triturus viridescens was used.
A small segment from the tip of the tongue was transplanted either to the side of the body or to the tail fin or into the orbit in place of the excised eye. One hundred and eight operations were made and with the exception of 2 cases all were autoplastic grafts. The operation was performed on chloretonized animals by means of fine iridectomy scissors and forceps manipulated under a compound dissecting microscope. Following the operation the animals remained quiet in moist chambers for 24 hours. They were then placed in water in individual glass aquaria and kept at room temperature.
The orbit with eyelids excised was found to be the most favorable site for the graft, for, in other places skin epithelium and body movements tended to interfere with early “takes”. In 21 cases the graft was shed early or was later sloughed or completely resorbed. In the majority of transplants the circulation returned from 4 to 6 days after operation. This indicates how early the grafts are successfully healed in the new environment.
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