Subepithelial nerve plexus (with ganglion cells) associated with taste buds

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this investigation was to confirm the presence of subepithelial nerve plexuses associated with taste buds in the human tongue and to study the histomorphologic features of each plexus. Study Design. Through use of a light microscope, several hundred microslides representing biopsies of the human tongue were reviewed so that the histomorphologic character of subepithelial nerve plexuses could be detected and studied. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-erythrosin, Bodian, and Masson’s trichrome, as well as with immunohistochemical stains for neuron-specific enolase and S-100 protein. Results. Twelve examples of the subepithelial nerve plexus, many with mature ganglion cells, were selected for microscopic evaluation. The plexuses were quite small, ranging from 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. With one exception, each plexus was an incidental finding in a biopsy of a definitive soft tissue lesion, such as fibroma, papilloma, granular cell tumor, lymphoepithelial cyst, lingual tonsil, or foliate papilla. Ganglion cells, 1 to 5 in number and confirmed by neuron-specific enolase and S-100 protein, were observed in 9 of the cases. Conclusions. The subepithelial (subgemmal) nerve plexus is a tortuous neural proliferation associated with the taste buds of the human tongue, with ganglion cells and intergemmal/intragemmal branches. When hyperplastic, it should be recognized as such and not diagnosed as a neoplastic process—eg, a ganglioneuroma, neurofibroma, syndrome-associated neuroma, or traumatic neuroma. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:605-9)