Scanning electronic microscopy study of the developing fungiform papillae of Korean native goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological development of fungiform papillae in Korean native goats by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tongues were removed from fetuses on days 120 and 150 of gestation and from juveniles on days 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 after birth. The sizes of fungiform papillae in the newborn were 225.0-250.0 μm, the weaning period of 60-day-old goats were 271-294 μm and the maturing period of 180-day-old goats were 385-398 μm, respectively. The primordia of fungiform papillae had the typical feature of mushroom shape in 120-day-old fetus. In 150-day-old fetus (neonate), fungiform papillae had similar feature as adult form and were gradually increased in size with slight morphological changes until 150-day-old goat. The microridges, microplicae and micropits were well developed on the epithelial surface of lingual papillae from 60 to 150-day-old goat. The results obtained in this study might provide some basic data of the mechanisms that control the morphogenesis and development of the lingual papillae in the ruminants.